Category Archives: All

All walks

Ordered by date descending

Silver How

6th February 2025

I parked in the lay-by outside Grasmere. I planned to walk up to Silver How and go over Dow Bank to Red Bank, take Loughrigg Terrace path and descend down to Lake Grasmere and then take the lakeside path back towards Grasmere. A walk of about six mil…


Dunnerholme Rock

30th January 2025

It was a nice afternoon so Brendan and I drove to Askam-in-Furness for a walk on the beach to Dunnerholme Rock and back. An easy walk that takes just over an hour. We parked in the beach car park which is free. Always a good little walk. Jo….


Coniston Old Man with Sue

26th January 2025

I wanted to get up in the snow before the sunshine melted it all, so Sue and I drove to Torver for a walk up to Coniston Old Man. Being over 800m (2635ft) the summit still had snow. We parked in the roadside spaces at the bottom of the track. I alway…


Arnison Crag

16th January 2025

I drove to Patterdale for a walk up Arnison Crag which always has a great view of Ullswater. There are options to contunue on to Birks, and even St. Sunday Crag, but would be dependent on the conditions. The car park is £5 for all day. The main walk…


Holme Fell in Snow

9th January 2025

There was lots of snow on the mountains, but it was quite deep and unconsolidated on the high fells, so I decided to walk up Holme Fell, which is small but has good views from the summit, but more importantly can be reached via the main road to Skelw…


Gowbarrow Fell with Tom

2nd January 2025

Today’s walk would be Gowbarrow Fell, on the first good weather day we have had over Christmas and New Year. The Kirkstone Pass was pretty much free from ice on the drive over, so we had plenty of time to stop at Brotherswater to take some phot…


Two Torver Tarns

19th December 2024

It was sunny today, but very windy so I decided on a drive to Torver and a low level walk to a couple of tarns, Low Torver Common Reservoir and Kelly Hall Tarn. I parked in the lay-by opposite the Cumbria Way path. This walk is only a couple of miles…


Black Fell from Oxen Fell

10th December 2024

Today I was going to park in the lay-by at Oxen Fell High Cross, and walk up Black Fell via Hollin Bank and High Arnside. A route that I hadn’t done for years. The weather was perfect, so I would detour to Tarn Hows for a wander and return via…


Elterwater & Loughrigg Fell

18th September 2024

I made an early start and parked on the roadside at Skelwith Bridge for 8am. I would walk beside the River Brathay to Elterwater and back, then head up to Loughrigg Tarn and on to Loughrigg Fell. Altogether about six miles. Another warm, clear Septem…


Pavey Ark to High Raise

17th September 2024

It was going to be a beautiful, clear, warm day so Sue and I decide to head for Great Langdale in order to walk up to Stickle Tarn and climb Pavey Ark via North Rake, then on to Sergeant Man, High Raise and Thunacar Knott, descending beside Dungeon G…


Bigland Barrow with Friends

31st August 2024

I was meeting up with Sue, Andy, Jo and Cameron, bellringing friends, for a walk. They wanted a walk with some variety, so I chose a favourite walk up to Bigland Tarn and Bigland Barrow. They had never done this route before. A four mile, easy circul…


Rosthwaite Fell with Tom

12th July 2024

My son Tom and I drove to Stonethwaite, parking just past the school where there are a couple of areas for parking beside the wall. There is no parking beyond this. We started walking about 8.45am. We will do a circular walk up to Rosthwaite Fell sum…


Grike and Crag Fell with Sue

26th June 2024

This is one of my favourite walks as Crag Fell provides such great views for minimal effort. This is a six mile walk which takes about four hours, provided that ample time is allowed for lunch and admiring the views. The walk starts from the lay-by j…


Angle Tarn Pikes & Brock Crags

24th June 2024

It was going to be a beautiful day and very hot, so I set off early to reach Patterdale car park for 7.30 am. I was hoping to do all the “up” before it got too hot. The plan was a 7.5 mile circular walk to include Angle Tarn Pikes, Angle…


Dale Head in Snow

26th February 2024

I fancied a walk in some snow so I drove to the NT car park at Honister, arriving at 9am and headed up the track that leads directly to the summit. It will take about an hour. My return route would detour to Yew Crag Quarries and Mines, an interestin…


Brown Pike from Torver

17th January 2024

It had snowed overnight, so for my birthday walk I decided to drive to Torver, which is on the main road and gritted, to walk up to Dow Crag. The lay-by at Torver was full of forestry vehicles so I parked in the Village Hall car park, which was cover…


Brock Barrow to Top o’Selside

15th January 2024

Ged and I parked by the wall at Water Park on the east side of Coniston Water and walked back to High Nibthwaite and up to Brock Barrow and along the undulating heather covered tops to the Top o’Selside. Then we would continue on to Low Parkamo…


Beacon Tarn & Wool Knott

12th January 2024

After nearly a month of bronchitis over the run up to Christmas and New Year, and missing out on all those blue sky days and snow, I was determined to walk up a little hill. So I coughed and wheezed my way up to Wool Knott which overlooks Beacon Tarn…


Bigland Tarn & Bigland Barrow

13th December 2023

It was a nice day, so Ged and I did a walk up to Bigland Tarn and Bigland Barrow. A four mile, easy circular walk that takes less than two and a half hours. I parked in the lay-by almost opposite the start of the walk, at Haverthwaite on the B5278 ro…


High Dam & Finsthwaite Tower

1st December 2023

We parked opposite the weir near The Swan Hotel at Newby Bridge, in time for the sunrise. We would then walk to High Dam and Finsthwaite Tower. The walk was just under six miles and took about four hours, no difficulties. Jo. …


Elterwater with Sue

29th November 2023

We set off early to get the sunrise at Elterwater. We arrived at Elterwater NT car park around 8am and headed down the footpath. We were just going as far as Chesters By The River, then heading back again, with a couple of detours. The walk was about…


Blea Tarn & Side Pike

28th November 2023

I drove to Old Dungeon Ghyll NT car park in Great Langdale to walk over to Blea Tarn and returning via Side Pike. Good weather was expected today. The walk was about five miles and would take three hours. Always a good little walk with great views. J…


School Knott & Grandsire

10th November 2023

A solo walk up to School Knott and Grandsire, which are on either side of School Knott Tarn. A three and a half mile easy walk which takes about two hours. Today was wind free so the tarn had some lovely reflections. I had last done this walk in Sept…


Gummers How with Cows!

25th October 2023

A quick solo walk up to Gummers How and down to the tarn, returning by the road. Less than two miles in about an hour. Jo. …


Roudsea Wood Walk For Paul

16th October 2023

My friend Paul Bryden died on October 4th 2023. On the day of his funeral, in his memory, I decided to go on a walk to his favourite place. I packed a thermos flask of ‘mighty fine coffee’, a cheese and chilli jam sandwich and played Stee…


Derwent Water Ramble

15th October 2023

It has been four months since my last post. Unfortunately plantar fasciitis has meant that I have not been able to do any walks over the whole of the summer. Thankfully a steroid injection in my heel has reduced the inflammation and I have now starte…


South Walney Nature Reserve with John & Friends

22nd June 2023

A walk in the South Walney Nature Reserve with John and some friends from Hest Bank. Plus a coffee break at Clarissa’s lighthouse cottage. Always a nice local walk. Jo. …


BBC Gardeners’ World Live

17th June 2023

In June Brendan and I went to the NEC in Birmingham to see the BBC Gardeners’ World Live exhibition. We went to the very first one in the early 1990’s, it was small and informal, and you could go up and chat to presenter Geoff Hamilton, a…


Bellringers’ Walk around Urswick

10th June 2023

A Barrow St. James bellringers’ walk around Urswick, organised by Tower Captain, Andy. The 6.5 mile circuit that would take four hours, and preceded the Furness and South Lakeland Branch monthly ringing meeting at the church in the afternoon. W…


Haystacks & Fleetwith Pike

25th May 2023

A circular, 8 mile walk from Honister with Sue, taking the back route to Haystacks with views down into Ennerdale, a detour to Warnscale Bothy, then on to Dubs Hut and Fleetwith Pike. We parked at Honister NT car park, next to the slate mine. I had d…


Whitehaven to St. Bees

21st May 2023

A walk with son, Tom, from Whitehaven to St. Bees along the cliff top path, taking the train from Barrow. This is the first time we have done it in this direction, usually we start at St. Bees. From station to station it is 9 miles and takes about fo…


Buttermere Circuit

25th April 2023

Tuesday was once again a good weather day, so I drove with Ged via Windermere, Rydal Water, Grasmere, Thirlmere and Crummock Water en route to Buttermere. All the lakes had wonderful reflections as we past them, so we stopped at a couple of them to t…


Wastwater Circuit

18th April 2023

After a holiday in Barbados, a month long chest infection, followed by a bad back, this is my first walk since the middle of February. I decided on a walk around Wastwater tackling the notorious Wasdale Screes ‘path’. The walk is about 8….


Ullswater Lakeshore Path with Claire

16th February 2023

Early on Thursday morning I drove to the Kirkstone Pass in rain and very low cloud and fog. I went past Lake Windermere and couldn’t see it! Once over the Pass the low cloud was higher and Brothers Water and Ullswater were in view. Thankfully t…


Raven Crag and Great How

13th February 2023

On Monday we parked in the spaces opposite the bus stop at the turn off for the north end of Thirlmere. Ged and I planned to walk up to Raven Crag and then up to Great How. A walk of 5.6 miles. On the drive the weather was very cloudy until we had re…


Bell Ringers’ Walk to Latterbarrow

11th February 2023

On Saturday the bell ringers met up in the Hawkshead Primary School car park for a walk to Blelham Tarn, Wray Castle and Latterbarrow. A walk organised by Andy, the Barrow, St. James Tower Captain, and led by Linda (Ulverston, St. Mary’s.) The…


Roudsea Wood

6th February 2023

On Monday Sue and I drove to Greenodd to walk to Roudsea Wood and Mosses NNR. The morning was cold and frosty, but very still. We would walk both of the Nature Trails. The walk would be 5.8 miles and take us 3hrs 50 mins. An excellent walk to repeat…


High Dam & Finsthwaite Tower

18th January 2023

On Wednesday Sue and I had planned to drive to Finsthwaite and walk to Finsthwaite Tower and High Dam, a walk of just under 6 miles. (Walk 7 ‘Finsthwaite Tower and The Knott’ from Greenwood Trails, www.ruslandhorizons.org, adding a detour…


Helvellyn in Snow

16th January 2023

The forecast was for perfect mountain weather, blue skies and new powder snow! I made an early start and It had just got light, but had stopped snowing by the time I reached Wythburn car park. The 5.7 mile walk took me five hours, but I took lots of…


Gummers How sunset in snow

15th December 2022

On Thursday afternoon Ged and I walked up to Gummers How to see the stunning sunset. The car park was all icy so we parked on the hill in one of the lay-bys. It would be icy in places so we wore our Microspikes. The walk is less than two miles and ve…


Black Crag and Tarn Hows via Tom Gill

12th December 2022

On Monday the weather was set to be sunny but very cold. I wanted to get in some snow, but without the danger of slippery roads. So I chose Black Crag and Tarn Hows from the bottom of Tom Gill. The car park is directly off the main road (A593) at Gle…


Three Torver Tarns

7th December 2022

On Wednesday Ged and I parked in the lay-by where the Cumbria Way path crosses the main road towards Torver, just past Sunny Bank. There are spaces for about six cars here. We would walk to Torver Low Common Reservoir, Kelly Hall Tarn and Long Moss T…


Hartsop Dodd to High St.

29th November 2022

The forecast was for fog in the southern valleys, but sunny on the tops. I decided to drive over the Kirkstone Pass to Hartsop and walk up Hartsop Dodd to Caudale Moor, then via Threshthwaite Mouth to Gray Crag and Thornthwaite Crag, a small detour t…


Sedbergh to Cautley Spout

8th October 2022

On Saturday five Barrow St. James’ bellringers met up in Sedbergh to walk the 7 miles to Cautley Spout waterfall, and for lunch at the Cross Keys Inn at Cautley, before returning for a ringing meeting at the church in the afternoon. We had prev…


High Hartsop Dodd to Middle Dodd

23rd September 2022

I woke up early on Friday morning and the hills were clear and the sun was shining, so I decided to drive to Brothers Water and climb up to High Hartsop Dodd, Little Hart Crags, Red Screes and back down via Middle Dodd. An eight mile horseshoe walk….


Elterwater Round

19th September 2022

On Monday Brendan, Tom and I drove to Elterwater Village to do the six mile circular walk to include Elterwater, Skelwith Force, a coffee at Chesters By The River, Colwith Force, Cathedral Quarry Cave, Slater Bridge and a late lunch at The Britannia…


Artlecrag Pike, Branstree and Selside Pike

13th September 2022

On Tuesday Sue and I went to Haweswater to climb the north ridge of Artlecrag Pike and then on to Branstree and Selside Pike. Sue is newly retired, so when the new school year restarted and there was a nice day, she was able to join me on a fellwalk….


Beetham Deer Park

5th September 2022

I went to Beetham Nurseries and as it was a nice day I took a walk into the Deer Park. This walk is only a couple of miles and only takes an hour or so, an easy stroll. Jo. …


Blackcombe

1st September 2022

I was planning to do a walk from Haweswater, but an accident on the M6 North, early this morning, meant I changed my plans, and I decided on a quick walk up to Blackcombe instead. No need to head off at the crack of dawn and I only needed a fleece an…


Bigland Tarn & Bigland Barrow

25th August 2022

On Thursday afternoon Ged and I did a walk up to Bigland Tarn and Bigland Barrow. A four mile, easy circular walk that takes less than two and a half hours. An excellent and easy, little walk for a sunny day. Jo. …


Harter Fell from Jubilee Bridge

10th August 2022

It was going to be a hot day so I chose to do a short walk with excellent views. I set off early and drove to Eskdale, I was ready to walk at 7.45am. The walk was about four miles and took me three hours and fifteen minutes. Great views, but was stil…


Dalton Town Band Tour 2022

5th August 2022

Dalton Town Band’s Tour of North Yorkshire, playing in Filey and Whitby and staying in Scarborough, with plenty of free time to see the sights. We were also blessed with great weather. Our coach set off from Dalton at 7.30am on Friday, we would…


Stybarrow Dodd to Clough Head

11th July 2022

On Monday I decided to walk up the Sticks Pass and go over Stybarrow Dodd, Watson’s Dodd, Great Dodd and Clough Head, returning over the slopes of Great Dodd to Mill Gill, and down to Castle Rock of Triermain. A walk of nine miles. It was going…


Garden July 2022

3rd July 2022

This year we opened our Walney Island garden to the public for the first time as part of The National Garden Scheme. This is the main reason I’ve not posted a fellwalk since May, as I was too busy getting everything ready. We opened on Sunday J…


Rannerdale Bluebells, a Summit and the Bishop’s House Garden.

14th May 2022

I don’t usually venture up a hill at weekends, but on Saturday afternoon we would be visiting the Keswick garden of Bishop James and Alison Newcome. We sat next to Alison at the National Garden Scheme lunch, and I have met James a few times at…


Bowfell & Rossett Pike

27th April 2022

The winds of recent days had died down so Ged and I drove to the Old Dungeon Ghyll NT car park in Great Langdale to climb Bowfell via The Band, the Climbers’ Traverse and the Great Slab route. We would then go down to Ore Gap turn right for Ang…


Beetham Heritage Walk

25th April 2022

On Monday I visited Beetham Nurseries, near Milnthorpe. Afterwards I did the Beetham Heritage Walk. I had done part of it in 2018 with the bellringers of St. James. The walk is 7 miles and includes an Ice Age erratic, woods, limestone pavement, the F…


Stickle Pike & Caw

8th April 2022

Early on Friday morning Ged and I drove to Kiln Bank Cross, via Broughton Mills, to make the most of the excellent weather window by walking up to Stickle Pike, via Stickle Tarn, and then on to Caw. A walk of five and a half miles. These fells are fr…


Bell Ringers’ Walk from Dalton to Ireleth and Marton

19th March 2022

Barrow St. James’ Tower Captain, Andy, had organised another bell ringers’ walk to be led by Ulverston St. Mary’s ringer, Linda. We were to meet at St. Mary’s Church Dalton, where the afternoon’s Furness Ringing Meeting…


Helvellyn Range Fells

1st March 2022

I have been waiting for a sunny, blue sky day with light winds, to do this walk. It would include Raise, Whiteside, Helvellyn Lower Man, Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, High Crag, Dollywaggon Pike, Grisedale Tarn and Seat Sandal. I made an early start an…


Grike and Crag Fell

11th February 2022

On Friday I decided to walk up to Grike and Crag Fell, two Western Fells. It is two years since my last visit, and four years since I walked it with Ged. It is a very easy walk and only 5.8 miles, but its view has to be one of the best there is in […]


Fairfield & St. Sunday Crag

17th January 2022

It was my 60th birthday! I had spent my 50th climbing Snowdon, so today I chose to do a solo walk up to Fairfield and St. Sunday Crag, via Raise Beck and Grisedale Tarn, a route I hadn’t done for 16 years. The weather was perfect, so I set off…


Ullock Pike, Carl Side & Dodd

11th January 2022

A good day was forecast so we drove to the Old Sawmill Tearoom at Dodd Wood, north of Keswick. We planned to walk up to Ullock Pike, Long Side, Carl Side and then down to Dodd. A 7 mile walk. Very little snow was left on even the high fells. The walk…


Holme Fell & Hodge Close

7th January 2022

The weather was due to be showery with gale force winds on the high fells, so we decided not to venture too high. We parked at Yew Tree Tarn and would walk up to Holme Fell via Ivy Crag, visit the reservoirs, then Hodge Close Quarry, and walk back vi…


Black Fell via Tarn Hows

5th January 2022

On Wednesday Ged and I drove to the Glen Mary NT car park for the walk up beside Tom Gill to Tarn Hows, and then on to Black Fell. My first mountain walk of 2022, and first since having Covid before Christmas. An easy six mile walk on a beautiful day…


Staithes & Runswick Bay etc.

3rd November 2021

Photos from walks in Scarborough, Staithes, Runswick Bay and Sandsend, during our stay in Whitby. There are still plenty of places to visit left for the next time we go to Whitby. Jo. …


Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay

2nd November 2021

An eight mile walk from Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay on a blue sky day. The eight mile walk took just over four hours. A bit muddy at times on the cliff path, and a few steep descents, but otherwise no problems. Some great views! Jo….


Whitby Walks

1st November 2021

Walks around Whitby during our four night stay. A great place to visit! Jo. …


Lingmoor Fell & Blea Tarn

21st October 2021

After several weeks of almost constant rain, there is finally a good weather day! As it was forecast to be windy I decided on Lingmoor Fell from Elterwater. I could visit some of the mine levels and ruined mine buildings and then drop down to Blea Ta…


Yewbarrow House Gardens, Grange Over Sands.

5th September 2021

On Sunday we visited Yewbarrow House gardens in Grange Over Sands, Cumbria, which were open as part of the National Open Garden Scheme. This was the fourth time this year the gardens had been open, and our first visit. The garden belongs to local hot…


Buckbarrow and Seatallan

3rd September 2021

On Friday Ged and I drove to just east of Harrow Head to walk up to Buckbarrow and Seatallan, parking in a small off road space amongst the bracken. On our return to Buckbarrow we would walk the entire length of its precipitous edge. The walk was 7.5…


Dalton Town Band at Bowness

30th August 2021

On Bank Holiday Monday I played with Dalton Town Band at the Glebe bandstand in Bowness on Windermere. A coach had been organised to take us there and back, so we could go early and have a day out with no parking problems. We arrived about half past…


Bellringers’ walk to North Walney

29th August 2021

On Sunday the bellringers from St. James the Great, Barrow in Furness met up in the North Scale car park to walk the new coastal footpath. We would not go all the way to the north end today, but take the path through the fields to the tarns. A walk o…


St. Bees to Whitehaven via the cliff path with Brendan and Tom

22nd August 2021

On Sunday morning I skived off Sunday Service bell ringing to catch the 9.50am train up the coast to St. Bees to walk the 7 mile cliff path to Whitehaven with Brendan and Tom. The weather was due to improve. There would be no wind. I have walked the…


Gowbarrow Fell, Alison’s 214th

15th August 2021

On Sunday Alison was celebrating walking her final Wainwright, Gowbarrow Fell. I had been on her sister Lucy’s last Wainwright walk (Hallin Fell in pouring rain) and her mum, Sue’s (High Rigg in sunshine), and Sue and Derek had been with…


Three Torver Tarns with Tom

24th July 2021

On Saturday Tom wanted to do a walk where we would be home before lunch, So we parked in the lay-by where the Cumbria Way path crosses the main road towards Torver, just past Sunny Bank. There are spaces for about six cars here. We arrived about 8.30…


Devoke Water Circuit

18th July 2021

On Sunday my son Tom and I drove over Birker Fell to walk a circuit of Devoke Water via Seat How, Water Crag and Rough Crag. The two mile walk took us two and a quarter hours. We parked on the Birker Fell Road at about 8.30am. The spaces were full of…


Wetherlam via Steel Edge

16th July 2021

On Friday I drove to Tilberthwaite to climb up Wetherlam via Steel Edge. A walk of six miles. I left home about 6.30am. It is under an hours drive, so I should be up and down before it gets too hot. Unfortunately the road between Coniston and Tilbert…


Bowscale Tarn, High Pike & Carrock Fell

1st July 2021

On Thursday I drove with Ged through Mungrisdale to Bowscale, parking in the parking spaces opposite the track up to Bowscale Tarn. We would walk up to the tarn then descend back to the valley floor, cross the river and walk up to Carrock Mine, then…


Blencathra Round

28th June 2021

On Monday I drove to Mungrisdale to walk the Blencathra Round: Bowscale Fell, Bannerdale Crags, Blencathra and Souther Fell. A walk of just over ten miles. I left home at 6am, arriving at 7.30am. The forecast was excellent, warm with no wind. I arriv…


Whin Rigg & Illgill Head

22nd June 2021

On Tuesday I drove to Wastwater parking opposite the road to Gosforth on the side of Wastwater. Ged and I were going to do a circuit of Wastwater climbing up to Whin Rigg and Illgill Head (the top of the Wasdale Screes) and then walk back along the r…


Pike o’ Blisco

19th May 2021

The best of the weather was going to be early morning, so I left home just before 6am to drive to Great Langdale and walk up Pike o’ Blisco.  A circular walk, going up from the steep road over to Blea Tarn and coming back via Browney Gill…


Blea Tarn and Side Pike

14th May 2021

On Friday I left home at 6.10am to drive to the Old Dungeon Ghyll car park and climb up Pike o’Blisco. In all my years of walking in the mountains I have never felt vulnerable or uncomfortable in the presence of another walker, nor felt the nee…


Loft Crag, Pike o’ Stickle & Harrison Stickle in Snow

7th May 2021

On Friday, son Tom and I decided on a walk up to the Langdale Pikes. The weather was going to be a mix of some sunshine and wintery showers. So how many fells we would do would depend on the weather and the snow conditions. Snow in May! We packed our…


Keswick to Threlkeld Railway Path

28th April 2021

On Wednesday Brendan and I parked in the Leisure Centre car park next to the old Keswick Railway Station to walk the old line to Threlkeld. I have not done this walk since 2014. In 2015 Storm Desmond brought the worst floods the county has seen, with…


Kidsty Pike & High St. from Haweswater

22nd April 2021

Thursday was looking to be a great weather day, so I Ieft home at 6.10am to drive to Haweswater for a solo, circular walk up to Kidsty Pike, Rampsgill Head and High Street. Returning via the Riggindale ridge. I have been up via the Riggindale ridge m…


Grey Knotts, Brandreth, Green Gable & Great Gable

19th April 2021

On Monday I drove to the National Trust car park at Honister for a solo, circular walk up to Grey Knotts, Brandreth, Green Gable and Great Gable, returning via the Moses Trod path. A walk of 6.8 miles. I arrived early to an empty car park and started…


Swirl How & Great Carrs via Levers Water

16th April 2021

On Friday we decided to Walk up to Swirl How and Great Carrs via Levers Water and Levers Hawse, returning via the Prison Band, starting from the Walna Scar Car park. The weather was excellent, warm, no wind and blue skies. The walk would be just unde…


Hawcoat to Askam Brickworks

14th April 2021

On Wednesday, fellow bell ringer Sue, took me on the circular walk that she had recently done from her home on Dalton Lane towards Askam Brickworks and back via a different route. The weather was warm and coats were not needed. Our walk was 7.6 miles…


Blackcombe on a Blue Sky Day

10th April 2021

On Saturday Brendan and I drove to Whitcham to climb up Blackcombe, a Wainwright Outyling Fell. Even though I look out of my window at it, I’d not been up it for five years! Time to put that right! The walk is five miles and can be done in abou…


Hopegill Head & Whiteside

6th April 2021

On Tuesday Ged and I parked at Lanthwaite Green car park to walk up Gasgale Gill to Coledale Hause, and then on to Hopegill Head and back along the Whiteside ridge. A walk of about six miles. The weather was going to be cold and windy with snow and h…


Haystacks from Honister

1st April 2021

On Thursday I decided to do a solo walk to Haystacks from Honister via the Moses Trod Path, visiting the perched boulder, returning via Dubs Quarry. I’d not been via this route and it is a lot easier than starting at Gatesgarth. I left home ear…


Catbells

30th March 2021

On Tuesday Ged and I decided to climb a popular fell before the tourists arrive in the days ahead. We had thought of Haystacks, but low cloud meant we had to swap to Catbells, at only 1480ft, it would be one of the first fells to be cloud free. We dr…


Blawith Knott to Tottlebank Heights

29th March 2021

For our first walk together for four months Ged and I headed for Grizebeck and the A5092, turning off on the road sign-posted to Woodland, between Beanthwaite and Gawthwaite. It is a long, narrow, single track road. There is a parking spot directly o…


Lockdown Local Walks

2nd March 2021

Photos include walks along the Walney Promenades to the slag bank, Dunnerholme Rock, Thorney Nook, Cavendish Dock, Barrow Park, Abbots Wood, the sea ice on the Coast Road beaches, Birkrigg, Manjushri Buddhist Centre grounds and the Red River. Hopeful…


Bigland Barrow

26th February 2021

Son, Tom took a day off work, so we decided on a family walk to Bigland Barrow via Bigland Tarn. An easy four mile circular walk. This is a Wainwright Outlying Fell, and our most local. The weather was a bit hazy and cloudy, so there would be no grea…


The Hoad in Snow

24th January 2021

There is snow in Cumbria this week, but alas, not on Walney Island! We rarely see the stuff. So in the late afternoon I went to Ulverston and took a walk up The Hoad, a mini-mountain with excellent views. A perfect substitute if you are missing the t…


Birkrigg and Roa Island

23rd January 2021

Two local walks on separate days. The first to the top of Birkrigg from near the Old Mill on the Coast Road, the second from Rampside to Roa Island. Both take about an hour. Two easy walks with great views. Jo.    …


Dunnerholme Rock & Askam Pier

22nd January 2021

The photos are from two walks, one to the sands beyond Dunnerholme Rock on a socially distanced dog walk with Sue and Ludo, and one a solo walk where I walk onto the top of the rock and then return and walk to Askam Pier. The walks start from the bea…


Dow Crag in Snow

2nd January 2021

Our first hill walk of the New Year was going to be a local walk in the snow. Dow Crag is in the Constituency of Barrow and Furness, I look out at it every day from my window, and it is currently covered in snow! From Torver it is a quiet and relativ…


Black Crag with Tom

24th December 2020

On Christmas Eve I decided on a walk up to Black Crag, as it fitted the parameters of being under an hour away, having good views, not requiring rucksacks, and being back home in time for lunch. We parked at the Mary Glen NT car park (south of Yew Tr…


Coniston Old Man & Brim Fell

9th December 2020

With lockdown number two, Ged and I have not walked together for over two months, so we decided on a walk up to Coniston Old Man. Not too far to travel, and always plenty to go and look at if the weather is not so good. Despite the lack of any summit…


Burnbank, Blake & Gavel Fells

19th November 2020

The weather has been wet and windy for a couple of weeks, but finally we have a good day, so myself and Brendan drove to the parking spaces at Fangs Brow, above Loweswater, to walk up to Burnbank Fell, Blake Fell and Gavel Fell, returning via High No…


Woodland Walks

7th November 2020

The recent poor weather has kept me off the fells, but this has meant that I had time to do some local woodland walks instead. Below are three of them. How Tun Wood in Barrow, Millwood from Dalton, but first a walk from the Manjushri Buddhist Centre,…


Grasmoor, Eel Crag, Wandope & Whiteless Pike

14th October 2020

I have been wanting to go up to Grasmoor via the Lad Hows route for some time, preferably before the clocks changed, and in good weather. With only a week left, plus the prospect of another National Lockdown, it had to be now. It was half term for ot…


Bootle, Drigg, Seascale & Saltcoats

11th October 2020

On Sunday we decided on a walk along the beaches of Bootle, Drigg, Seascale and Saltcoats. It seems like I pass signposts for these places almost on a weekly basis, but never seem to have the time to detour and visit them. Today we would devote the w…


Potter Fell & Tarns

1st October 2020

The weather wasn’t too bad on Thursday, sunshine and showers, so Ged and I drove to the back road between Staveley and Bowston. We were going to walk the Wainwright Outlying Fell route up to Potter Fell. This includes Potter Tarn, Brunt Knott,…


Crag Fell via Grike

27th September 2020

On Sunday the weather was excellent so Brendan, Tom and I drove to the many parking spaces just south of the Kinniside Stone Circle to walk to Crag Fell via Grike. The walk is 6 miles. A easy walk, with superb views for minimal effort. The easy 6 mil…


Helvellyn, Nethermost and Dollywaggon Pikes

21st September 2020

On Monday I decided to visit Helvellyn, Nethermost Pike, Dollywaggon Pike and Grisedale Tarn, returning via Raise Beck. I left early to be on the summit before the hoardes of tourists arrived. A walk of 9.14 miles. I set off walking from Wythburn at…


Warnscale Bothy & Fleetwith Pike

17th September 2020

On Thursday I left home at 5.30am to drive to Gatesgarth. It was going to be a glorious day and not wanting to be among the hoards that head to Buttermere, I thought it wise to get up early and beat the rush. I parked in the car park, still only £4 f…


Sedgwick

15th September 2020

Brendan’s cousin Siobhan and husband, Paul, were house-sitting for mutual friends Bernie and Steve at their home in the village of Sedgwick, Cumbria. We were invited for lunch and a walk. It was a circular walk along the old canal tow-path to N…


Darling Fell and Low Fell

10th September 2020

Ged and I had planned to walk up Grasmoor by the Lads How route, but when we got near Keswick the weather was dull and overcast, so we changed our plan and decided on Darling Fell and Low Fell instead. The views would be similar, but the effort to se…


Mini-walks, sunsets, a moon etc….

30th August 2020

A few mini-walks to Earnse Bay, Walney Island, from home. Some sunsets, a moon art installation, and a walk along the shores of Derwent Water. None warranted their own post, so I’ve put them all together in one. Jo.   …


Dale Head with Fr. John

24th August 2020

On Monday I met Fr. John in the Seatoller NT car park for a walk up to Dale Head via Rigg Head Quarries and back down to Honister via Yew Crag Quarries. A walk of five miles. The walk had taken us four hours and forty five minutes. Another excellent…


Hodbarrow With Friends

23rd August 2020

On Sunday I met up with some bell ringing friends for a waterside walk around Cumbria’s largest coastal lagoon. This would take us along the causeway and include visits to the restored lighthouse, a hide, an old windmill, the old lighthouse and an op…


Mellbreak with Fr. John

20th August 2020

On Thursday Fr. John and I did the walk we were going to do on Tuesday, before rain stopped play, Mellbreak. The weather was excellent, but it was going to be gale force winds on the summits, but not to worry, as we had options. Our walk was just und…


Buttermere with Fr. John

18th August 2020

Yesterday Fr John and I had planned to walk up Mellbreak, but the weather was not very agreeable, being low cloud, poor visibility and rain, so we did the walk around Buttermere instead. Five gentle miles with some shelter in the woods. We parked at…


Cycle to Walney Island Lighthouse

15th August 2020

I was going to be cycling down to visit fellow bell ringer, Clarissa, at her cottage in South Walney Nature Reserve which is 9.1 miles from our house. Brendan and Tom would come later in the car, parking at the reserve and walking through the reserve…


High Rigg, Sue’s 214th!

8th August 2020

On Saturday Tom and I drove to Legburthwaite car park in St. John’s-in-the-Vale. We left early to make sure we allowed enough time for tourist traffic on a hot weekend. We made good time, it took us under an hour and a half to reach the car par…


Causey Pike with the Pollocks

31st July 2020

On Friday I was invited by Andy and Jo to join their walk up to Causey Pike and Scar Crags. Myself and all four of the Pollock family are bell ringers at St. James in Barrow. Due to Covid there is no bell ringing, but at least for now we can do a soc…


Grizedale Forest Silurian Way

29th July 2020

On Wednesday I drove back to Moor Top car park in Grizedale Forest to cycle the Silurian Way, plus a few detours to see tarns and sculptures. My total route would be 18 miles. The 14 mile Silurian way encompasses both sides of the forest. The 18 mile…


Sheffield Pike & Glenridding Dodd

10th July 2020

Today we planned to walk up to Sheffield Pike via Glenridding Dodd. We parked in the lay-by below Stybarrow Crag, near Glenridding, on the side of Ullswater. We would take the route up beside Mossdale Beck and return via Glencoyne Head down to Seldom…


Hawkshead Moor Cycle Trail

6th July 2020

The weather had improved after the wet and windy weekend, so I drove to Moor Top car park in Grizedale Forest to cycle the Hawkshead Moor Trail and the Goosey Foot Tarn Trail. 10.5 miles and 2 miles. The car park is currently free. Although these are…


Grizedale Forest Cycle

2nd July 2020

On Thursday afternoon we drove to the Bogle Crag car park at Grizedale Forest. I was going to cycle the Grizedale Tarn Trail (10km/6 miles), Brendan would walk the Bogle Crag Trail (5km/3 miles) and son, Tom would run a combination of the two (5km)….


Cycling the Ennerdale Valley

25th June 2020

Wednesday was going to be too hot to head up a mountain, so we decided to cycle the Ennerdale Valley from Bowness Knot to Black Sail Hut. Riding up on the left side of the valley and coming back the other. A ride of 12.8 miles on forest roads. Ged an…


Steel Fell to Helm Crag

15th June 2020

On Monday I did a socially distanced walk with Ged. We both took our own cars and drove to the lay-by on the A591, by Town Head, near Grasmere. We would be walking the Greenburn Round. This includes Steel Fell, Calf Crag, Gibson Knott and Helm Crag….


Great Worm Crag & Green Crag

1st June 2020

I’ve not left the house for two weeks, being too busy weeding and planting out all the plants that I’ve grown from seed. Now I’ve finished I thought I’d combine Great Worm Crag and Green Crag from the Birker Fell Road. A walk…


Stainton Pike via Whitfell

16th May 2020

Today son, Tom and I drove to the top of the Corney Fell Road to walk to Stainton Pike. Wainwright’s route goes through a farm, hence the alternative route chosen. We would also include Buckbarrow, Whitfell and a detour down to Rowantree Force,…


Muncaster Fell

14th May 2020

Brendan and I had planned to walk up Great Worm Crag and Green Crag today from the Birker Fell road, but the road was closed, so instead we drove to Muncaster, to walk up Muncaster Fell. Due to lockdown this is my first fell walk in nearly two months…


Bay Cycle Way between Barrow and Rampside

6th May 2020

Part of the Bay Cycle Way goes between Barrow and Rampside. The Barrow end starts on Walney Island (Sandy Gap) and heads towards Buccleugh Dock, behind Morrisons supermarket. The route from Morrisons to Rampside is 4.5 miles one way. The photos show…


Walney Island’s Coastal Path South to North

24th April 2020

I got Brendan to drop me at the South End, near the Caravan Park, so I could walk back home to North Scale, using the Coastal Path. A walk of 7 miles. The walk took just under three hours. A very easy walk to do, especially on a nice day. Jo….


Walney Island North End

20th April 2020

Four weeks into lockdown this time we decide on a walk to the North End of Walney Island, from home, using the Coastal Path. An excellent walk! The walk took two hours and forty minutes. It was about six miles in length. I did not use my GPS, but wen…


Walney Channel Crossings at Low Tide

15th April 2020

A walk across Walney Channel via the little bridge from North Scale to the college. Then up onto the slag bank, and from Cocken Tunnel back across the channel to meet the coastal path steps, at low tide. It took one and a half hours. An easy walk to…


Walney Promenade Walk

6th April 2020

A walk back from Jubilee Bridge and along Walney Promenade to North Scale in blue skies and sunshine. The walk from home to near the Crows Nest pub and back, took one hour. Jo.   …


North Walney Coastal Path

27th March 2020

During the Coronavirus crisis we are now not supposed to drive anywhere in order to take exercise, so the fells are not an option. It was time to do a walk from home! A new section of the England Coast Path has been made between Walney Airfield and t…


Whitfell & Buckbarrow

20th March 2020

On Friday I drove to the top of the Corney Fell Road for an early morning solo walk. There is parking here for several cars. I would be following Wainwright’s Outlying Fell route to Whitfell via Buckbarrow, visiting Burn Moor and Kinmont Buckba…


Walna Scar and the Slate Quarry

13th March 2020

On Friday Brendan and I drove through Seathwaite to the road signed ‘Coniston 4 miles, unfit for cars’, a single track road. At the end of the road is a gate that requires opening then closing, and 20m further on is a small parking area….


Green Quarter Fell

5th March 2020

On Thursday Ged and I drove to Kentmere to walk up Green Quarter Fell, one of Wainwright’s ‘Outlying Fells’. An easy six mile walk. The weather was excellent, blue skies and sunshine, and there was still snow on the high fells, but…


Selside Pike and Branstree in Snow

27th February 2020

Ged wanted to climb either Helvellyn or Halls Fell on Blencathra to celebrate his 80th birthday, but the forecasted wind and ice risk would be far too dangerous to attempt a walk somewhere where you could fall off. The Far Eastern Fells were going to…


Low Parkamoor and Top O’Selside

12th February 2020

Today Ged and I drove to Dodgson Wood car park on the east side of Coniston Water to walk up to the Top O’Selside (Outlying Fell) via Low Parkamoor. It was windy today after the recent storms, so we wanted somewhere less exposed. I last did thi…


Rannerdale Knotts

5th February 2020

Today I drove with Ged via the Honister Pass to Buttermere. We would be walking up to Rannerdale Knotts. This is an easy walk and under five miles long. It would include the Rannerdale ridge and the shores of Crummock Water and Buttermere. The walk w…


Woodland Fell

8th January 2020

On Wednesday I walked one of Wainwright’s Outlying Fell walks with Belinda. I’ve known Belinda since 1985, when we both played on the same pub pool team. We then went on to play for Barrow together, then for Cumbria, and both of us won th…


Staveley Fell

31st December 2019

The last day of 2019 was to be a sunny one, so Brendan and I drove to Chapel House car park (less than half a mile past Staveley Church) for a walk up to Staveley Fell. This fell is one of Wainwright’s Outlying Fells, but this route up is diffe…


Winter Banding 2019

26th December 2019

Nearly three years ago, when I retired from teaching, I decided that I needed a new challenge. I’d always thought that being able to play in a brass band would be both interesting and rewarding, but I’d never even held a brass instrument,…


Catbells

18th December 2019

With one thing and another it has been a month since my last walk. I decide on Catbells, good views for minimal effort! Plus there could be snow! The weather was only going to be reasonable in the morning, so we went early. The walk took just over th…


Caw from Seathwaite

8th November 2019

On Friday I drove to Seathwaite with Ged in order to climb up Caw, which I haven’t been up for ten years. Last time I went up from Kiln Bank, climbing straight up the fell from the south. So this would be a new route. The walk was about four mi…


Blea Tarn & Side Pike

30th October 2019

This morning I got up early to drive to Blea Tarn car park via Little Langdale. I usually go via Great Langdale, as Little Langdale is dreadful to drive through as it is single track and I always end up having to reverse several times. Thankfully I w…


Knock Murton and Cogra Moss

28th October 2019

On Monday I drove with Ged via the Corney and Cold Fell roads to Ennerdale Bridge, turning right in Kirklands to the road that leads along the west face of Knock Murton. It was a beautiful blue sky day. We planned to walk up Knock Murton and do a cir…


Ditchling Beacon on the South Downs Way with Fr. John

23rd September 2019

I took the train from Brighton to Hassocks and met up with Fr. John for a walk from his house up to Ditchling Beacon on the South Downs. Another excellent day! Jo.   …


Eastbourne to Cuckmere Haven

21st September 2019

A walk from Eastbourne Pier via Beachy Head, Belle Tout Lighthouse, Birling Gap and The Seven Sisters to Cuckmere Haven. I had walked the Seven Sisters six years ago with Fr. John, but I fancied doing them again and extending the walk to include a co…


Kidsty Pike

13th September 2019

My first hill walk for nearly a month, and my first with Ged since July. The recent weather has been very wet and windy. We decide to drive to Hartsop and walk up to The Knott, and on to Kidsty Pike and Rampsgill Head. A walk of six and a quarter mil…


Grange Bandstand

18th August 2019

On Sunday afternoon I played with the South Cumbria Brass Band at Grange-Over-Sands bandstand. What could possibly be more British? It was my first time playing in a proper bandstand. There were also no sheep! 🙁 Or livestock of any description, so…


Loweswater & High Nook Tarn with Fr. John

17th August 2019

The weather was forecast to be windy, so we decided on a lower level walk. We parked at Fangs Brow and took the high level path above Loweswater to High Nook Tarn, returning via the shore path. An easy walk of just under six miles. Our walk took us u…


Middle Fell & Greendale Tarn with Fr. John

13th August 2019

On Tuesday I was meeting up with Fr. John at Greendale, near Wasdale, for a walk up to Middle Fell, which is just under 2000ft. This is quite an easy walk with good views and only four miles long. It started to rain as I reached Wastwater, then it po…


Garden Photos 2019

11th August 2019

I haven’t posted a garden blog since 2015. After a few requests to see how my garden was growing, I have finally gotten around to it! When we moved in in 1991 the garden was just a field. All the houses had previously bought the field behind th…


High Spy & Maiden Moor with Fr. John

8th August 2019

On Thursday I drove to Keswick for 8.30am, and met up with Father John in the car park of Our Lady of the Lakes and St. Charles Church. I left my car and he drove us to Grange, where we parked next to the Methodist Church and started our walk towards…


Cartmel Show

7th August 2019

On Wednesday I played with The South Cumbria Brass Band at Cartmel Show. We were playing from 12-4pm, but I arrived at 10am so I could have a look around the show before we started. It was a much bigger event than North Lonsdale, the previous week. T…


Arnison Crag with Fr. John

5th August 2019

Fr. John drove up from Surrey early this morning, we aimed to meet in the car park at Patterdale at 8.30am, and do a gentle hill walk so John could acclimatise to the Cumbrian mountains after the South Downs. He would then head off to Cockermouth pre…


Ulverston & North Lonsdale Show

31st July 2019

Playing with the South Cumbria Brass Band at the Ulverston and North Lonsdale Show. There had been torrential rain the night before, and on previous days, so it was going to be a bit muddy. Walking boots required! The forecast wasn’t too good,…


Ulverston Canal Gala & Ambleside Sports

25th July 2019

Brass band photos from the Ulverston Canal Gala, Ambleside Sports and playing outside the Coronation Hall. Next up is The Ulverston and North Lonsdale Show on Wednesday the 31st July, then Cartmel Show on the 7th August. Jo.    …


Gordale Scar & Malham Cove

12th July 2019

On Friday Ged and I drove to Malham in Yorkshire to walk to Gordale Scar and Malham Cove. We parked at the main car park, which was empty when we arrived, but totally full on our return. Our main walk was 6.4 miles and took us four hours, including l…


High Cup Nick

3rd July 2019

On Wednesday Ged and I drove to Dufton to walk to High Cup Nick via the Pennine Way. A gentle there and back walk of 6.5 miles. There are circular walks, but I was looking to keep the distance to a minimum. The weather was glorious! The walk, which i…


214 x 3: Rossett Pike, Esk Pike and Allen Crags with Sue and Derek.

27th June 2019

On Thursday I completed my third time around the Wainwrights. I have had to wait over a year for my new knee to be up to this strenuous 11 mile walk comprising three fells. Accompanying me were Derek and Sue Fryer. A couple of weeks ago Derek complet…


Scafell and Slight Side

21st June 2019

On Friday Ged and I drove to the NT car Park at Brackenclose, Wasdale Head, to climb up Scafell via the Green How route……straight up the front. Then walk on to Slight Side returning beneath the slopes of Scafell, skirting the top of Hardr…


Cross Fell

10th June 2019

On Monday myself, Brendan and son, Tom, did a circular walk up to Cross Fell, the highest point of the Pennines. We parked in Kirkland, by the church. It was to be a ten mile walk. An easy enough walk, but a bit boggy in places. Best not to do it, li…


Birkhouse Moor and Catstycam

20th May 2019

On Monday we drove to Glenridding to walk up Birkhouse Moor (2356ft) and Catstycam (2920ft) via the Mires Beck Route, returning down the valley via Greenside Mine. A walk of eight miles. The weather was excellent, not too hot, with a bit of a breeze….


High Crag & High Stile

15th May 2019

On Wednesday Brendan and I drove over the Honister Pass to Gatesgarth, by Buttermere. Only £4 to park all day. Brendan would walk around the lake and I would go up to Seat, High Crag (2441ft) and High Stile (2648ft), returning back the same way. A wa…


Steel Knotts to Bonscale Pike

29th April 2019

On Monday Ged and I drove to the other side of Ullswater, parking at St. Peter’s Church, Martindale, in order to climb Steel Knotts (1414ft),  Wether Hill (2210ft), Loadpot Hill (2201ft) and Bonscale Pike (1718ft). A walk of 8.3 miles.The…


Stone Circles from Kirksanton

13th April 2019

A St. James’ bell ringers’ walk to Lacra Stone Circles and the Giant’s Grave Standing Stones, plus stops en route to Kirksanton via Donkey Rock Geology Area and Millom Rock Park. An excellent day, just a pity it was so windy! Thanks…


Beacon Hill and Knott

8th April 2019

On Monday Ged and I went to finish off the bits of Saturday’s Great Asby Scar walk. This would include the Beacon Hill Monument, Knott Trig Point and the Thunder Stone. A walk of just over four miles. I took up Andy’s suggestion of starti…


Great Asby Scar

6th April 2019

On Saturday the Barrow St. James’ bell ringers and friends walked up to Great Asby Scar, a limestone pavement, before ringing the bells at Orton and Appleby. We were to meet up at Sunbiggin Tarn for 9am. The weather was excellent! After Appleby…


Eel Tarn, Eskdale

25th March 2019

Today Ged and I were going to Eskdale to follow a circular route up to Eel Tarn. A walk of six miles. It will include following the River Esk, crossing various bridges, two pubs, waterfalls, a mill, St Catherine’s Church and the awkward steppin…


Tilberthwaite Walk

22nd February 2019

On Friday I was meeting up with some bell ringing friends at Tilberthwaite to do a walk that incorporated some geology. Sue’s daughter, Lucy is a geology teacher. Andy’s son Jason is studying geology at A level, and Andy’s brother,…


Harter Fell and Small Water

11th February 2019

On Monday Ged and I drove to Mardale Head in order to walk up to Harter Fell (2,552ft). We would go up via the Gatescarth Pass, enjoy the snow on the summit, and descend down past Small Water on the Nan Bield Pass. A walk of five miles. The walk was…


Kelly Hall Tarn

31st January 2019

The following blog shows the same walk on two consecutive days, one in low cloud, one in sunshine and blue skies. Naturally most of the photos come from the second day. I had been in Ulverston in the morning, for brass band practice, so I was already…


High Rigg in Snow

23rd January 2019

A blue sky day with snow! I picked up Ged from Urswick, and drove towards Keswick. I’d already decided we were going up High Rigg. It is only 1,165ft high, but the views out to surrounding fells are excellent, and it is on the main road, so no…


Carron Crag & Langdale Chase Hotel

13th January 2019

As my birthday treat we would be staying in the Boat House of the Langdale Chase Hotel. A base for a couple of walks and an ideal setting to take a few sunset/sunrise photos over Windermere. Our first walk was from Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre up…


Raven Scar

9th January 2019

A short morning walk up to Raven Scar on Staveley Fell. The walk took two hours and was three miles. A nice, short, easy walk to start the year! Somewhere neither of us had been to before. Jo.      …


Christmas 2018

31st December 2018

Photos of assorted brass playing, bell ringing, cats, short walks, and the views from the top of Barrow Town Hall, from over the Christmas period. Happy New Year, Jo.   …


Newton Fell (North)

9th December 2018

I had walked up Newton Fell (South) earlier in the summer, so it was time to do Newton Fell North. I drove to Newby Bridge and headed for Staveley-in-Cartmel. I drove past the church and parked in the Chapel Plantation car park. Brendan and I then wa…


Cold Fell & Flat Fell

26th November 2018

On Monday Ged and I drove to the Cold Fell Road to walk up two more Outlying Fells, Cold Fell and Flat Fell. Two short walks separated by a five minute drive and lunch. There were blue skies north but a big mass of cloud was keeping us in the shade….


Vienna

13th November 2018

Brendan had a five day conference at the International Atomic Energy Agency, so armed with a Vienna Travel Card I explored the streets of Vienna by myself. This post is what’s left after I removed all the church visits! There were many things I…


Vienna’s Churches

12th November 2018

A visit to some of the churches, crypts and catacombs, in my five days of solo ‘street walking’ in Vienna. Plus the superb views out across the city from the North Tower of the Stephansdom and the dome of the Karlskirche. The rest of the…


Loughrigg Fell & Rydal Water

18th October 2018

Thursday was another glorious day. The 6.30am Radio Cumbria ‘Fells forecast’ said there was mist in the valleys, so a thermal inversion was on the cards. The blue skies meant that it would also be a great day to capture the autumn colours…


Burney

10th October 2018

Today was another rare blue sky day so I headed, once again, for Grizebeck and the A5092, turning off on the road sign-posted to Woodland, between Beanthwaite and Gawthwaite. I was going to do a circular walk up to Burney, another of Wainwright…


Blawith Knott and Tottlebank Heights

6th October 2018

Today was a rare blue sky day so I headed for Grizebeck and the A5092, turning off on the road sign-posted to Woodland, between Beanthwaite and Gawthwaite. It is a long, narrow, single track road. There is a parking spot directly opposite the Giant…


Brant Fell

24th September 2018

On Monday I drove alongside Windermere turning on to the B5284 that goes to Crook. I take the road to Heathwaite, parking in one of the many spaces near the track to Bowness. I am going to walk up to Brant Fell. Another walk from Wainwright’s…


‘Settlement’ Art Installation, Birkrigg

23rd September 2018

On Sunday evening I went to visit Rob Mulholland’s Art Installation ‘Settlement’ on Birkrigg Common. I had seen it at Heysham on a dull day. Sunday was blue skies and sunshine and I went a half hour before sunset. The sculptures, a…


Hugill Fell and Reston Scar

12th September 2018

On Wednesday Ged and I walked two more fells from Wainwright’s ‘Outlying Fells’ book. Hugill Fell and Reston Scar, from Staveley. Unlike in Wainwright’s time these fells can be done as one walk, as there are now gates in the s…


‘Settlement’ Art Installation, Heysham

10th September 2018

On Monday morning we went to Heysham to visit ‘Settlement’ an art installation by Rob Mullholland which was on the headland. We walked down through Heysham Village. We also visited St. Patrick’s Chapel and St. Peter’s Church b…


School Knott & Grandsire

5th September 2018

On Wednesday Ged and I did a very easy 3.3 mile walk up to School Knott and Grandsire. The schools went back today, so naturally it was blue skies and sunshine, and quiet! These fells are in Wainwright’s Outlying Fell book, but this route avoid…


Grike & Crag Fell

31st August 2018

The weather was excellent, so we wanted an easy walk with good views. Crag Fell is an easy walk, and the views are one of the best in The Lakes. We could add Grike, another Wainwright, on the way too. The walk is on reasonably good tracks and grass,…


R.I.P Kas the Blind Fell Walking Dog (2005-18)

18th August 2018

Ged’s dog, Kas, had to be put to sleep last week. A sad day. Despite being blind Kas found freedom in the fells, and loved to go out walking with us. He only went on a lead for awkward descents, or precipitous edges. He totally ignored sheep an…


Gowbarrow Fell & Aira Force with Fr. John

16th August 2018

On Thursday the forecast was for sunny intervals and showers. I met Fr. John at the NT car park at Aira Force for our walk up to Gowbarrow via the Ullswater terrace route. A circular walk of just under five miles. The last time I did this walk it onl…


Bell Ringers’ Walk from Beetham

10th August 2018

On Saturday the St. James’ bell ringers and friends went for a ring and a walk in Beetham. Thankfully the sun was shining on us! Thanks to Tower Captain, Andy for organising the walk. Our walk was part of the Beetham Heritage Walk (see map ). T…


Walla Crag

9th August 2018

Yesterday Fr. John had a fall on High Spy, cracking his head on a rock and bruising his ribs. Thankfully he is okay, but needs a few days to recover. Brendan had planned to meet up with friend, Val, for lunch in Keswick anyway, so I did the Walla Cra…


Boat How with Fr. John

7th August 2018

On Tuesday I did a walk with Father John, who is up for his annual lakes holiday, and holding the fort for Fr. Tom in the Keswick and Cockermouth parishes. As I am still not up to the big fells yet, I thought we could do Boat How, another Wainwright…


Hesk Fell

1st August 2018

On Wednesday Brendan, Tom (home for a holiday) and I drove to the Birker Fell Road for a walk up Hesk Fell. One of Wainwright’s Outlying Fells. He says it is a dull climb, which is true, but the views are good, or at least they would be on a be…


Liverpool & Ulverston Canal Gala

22nd July 2018

A trip to Liverpool to meet up with my sister, Ness. Plus the Ulverston Training Brass Band entertains the crowds at the Ulverston Canal Gala. I play First Cornet…..sometimes even in the right place! 😉 The day we went to Liverpool was rather…


Newton Fell (South)

9th July 2018

On Monday Ged and I drove to Lindale turning on to the Back o’ the Fell Road and parking opposite the main public footpath shown on the OS map. This would lead us up to Dixon Heights on Newton Fell where there are a couple of ruined towers to s…


Haweswater & Shap Abbey

8th July 2018

On Sunday Brendan and I drove to Haweswater. We parked opposite The Rigg on a hard standing layby, just before the gated Old Corpse Road that leads over to Swindale. The best views are to be had from up high. From there we would be able to see how mu…


Bigland Barrow

3rd July 2018

On Tuesday I made an early start, beginning my solo, circular walk at 8am, when it was still cool. Bigland Barrow, via Bigland Tarn. A walk of just under four miles. Another glorious day! Bigland Barrow is one of Wainwright’s Outlying Fells. Th…


Gummers How and Reservoir

30th June 2018

On Saturday morning Brendan and I went for a circular walk up Gummers How, returning via the reservoir. For the past five years I have used a walking pole with a walking stick handle, it has been excellent at taking the weight off my knee on routes d…


Raven Crag

23rd June 2018

On Saturday Brendan and I drove to the north end of Thirlmere, parking opposite the dam road. We were going to walk up to Raven Crag for what should have been a two mile, under two hour walk, but turned out to be a seven mile, five and a half hour wa…


Hallin Fell: Lucy’s Final 214

2nd June 2018

On Saturday I aimed to climb my first Wainwright summit since my knee replacement 12 weeks ago! Hallin Fell on the side of Ullswater. This was to celebrate Lucy Fryer’s final, 214th Wainwright.The plan was for 20 family and friends to catch the…


Walney Lighthouse Views and a Sunset Walk.

24th May 2018

Fellow bell ringer and lighthouse cottage resident, Clarissa, had invited us round to see the views from the top of the Lighthouse which is situated in the Nature Reserve at the southern most point on Walney Island. The lighthouse was built in 1804,…


Beacon Fell & Tarn

26th February 2018

My knee replacement operation is looming, so I am hoping to get in a couple of easy walks before my walking hiatus. On Monday Ged and I went to Blawith Common, on the shores of Coniston Water, to walk up to Beacon Tarn and Beacon Fell. An easy walk o…


Dentdale

9th February 2018

This is the first walk that I have done with Ged since July, as he has been ill. So today’s walk is just a gentle stroll in nice surroundings. We head for the Yorkshire Dales and Sedbergh, to do a circular walk into the Dentdale Valley. The sta…


Kadampa Buddhist Temple Walk

26th January 2018

My knee replacement operation was cancelled. Hopefully it will be done by the end of March. But this means that I can still get out and about! I have been promising myself that I would return to the Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre on a blue sky d…


Christmas 2017

30th December 2017

A few bits and pieces from over the Christmas period. Plus a walk from Canal Foot. Have a great 2018! Jo.   …


Silver How from Grasmere

28th December 2017

Son, Tom wanted to go to Grasmere to pick up some gingerbread to take into his office, so we decided to have a walk up to Silver How . The weather was blue skies and sunshine, but it was bitterly cold in the wind. So we took the Kelbarrow route up wh…


Kelly Hall Tarn and Torver Common in snow

11th December 2017

On Monday Brendan and I drove to where the Cumbria Way Path crosses the road to Torver and parked in the small lay-by. We would walk up to Kelly Hall Tarn and Long Moss Tarn, then cross the Torver road to walk to Torver Low Common Reservoir and back…


London and the House of Commons

20th November 2017

A long weekend in London, visiting son, Tom. Including a walk from Westferry to Tate Modern along the Thames Path, via Limehouse and St. Katherine Dock; and attending a reception at the House of Commons. An excellent weekend! Jo.  …


Wray Castle & Orrest Head

5th November 2017

For Brendan’s birthday we decided to to stay at the Miller Howe Hotel on the side of Lake Windermere, a renowned foodie establishment, and visit Claife Viewing Station, Wray Castle and Orrest Head. Three places Brendan had never been to. Thankf…


Stanley Ghyll & Eskdale from Birker Fell

2nd November 2017

Thursday was another blue sky day so Brendan and I drove up to the top of Birker Fell to walk in the other direction from Devoke Water, where I walked to last week. I had been contacted by a lady who had lost her camera at this parking spot last week…


Devoke Water & Seat How

27th October 2017

After weeks of rain and wind, Friday was a blue sky day. So I drove to the top of the Birker Fell Road to walk to Devoke Water and up to Seat How. I didn’t bother to leave home until after nine. By mid morning on Seat How, the sun would be behi…


Brighton 2017

29th September 2017

Brendan was down in Brighton for the Labour Party Conference, so I went along too. I never saw him until 11pm at night, but I am always able to amuse myself! Brighton is never short of things to do! An excellent five days, mostly avoiding politics, a…


Devil’s Dyke to Truleigh Hill with Fr. John

25th September 2017

On the Monday I took the ten minute train journey from Brighton Station to Hassocks, where Fr. John lives. It was raining as I walked to the station, but it had stopped by the time I reached Hassocks. John collected me from the station. We stopped of…


Whinlatter Fell

18th September 2017

Today Ness and I would park at Whinlatter Visitor Centre for a walk in the forest and up to Whinlatter Fell. We would then go to Keswick. Unfortunately it was raining and the mist was down over the near fells so there wasn’t much of a view. The…


Hallin Fell by the Ullswater Steamer

16th September 2017

On Saturday Brendan, Ness and I took the Ullswater Steamer from Glenridding to Howtown to do a circular walk around Hallin Fell. I would then nip up to the summit before joining them in a Tea Shop. The circular walk was just over 4 miles and took les…


Dalton Safari Zoo

15th September 2017

Dalton Safari Zoo is free this month so my sister, Ness and I paid a visit. I’ve not been for about eight years. I have never liked animals in cages, but this zoo has made a good effort in disguising this by using perspex and creating more natu…


Blea Tarn, Eskdale by Steam Train

14th September 2017

A short walk up to Blea Tarn in Eskdale with my sister, Ness, using the Ravenglass to Eskdale Steam Railway. A circular walk of four miles and only 1000ft of ascent. I have not visited Blea Tarn since I was on a ecology field trip as an undergraduate…


Brass & Bells: Ulverston to Urswick

9th September 2017

A busy Saturday! Playing for the Ulverston Charter Day late morning, then ringing bells at Kirkby in Furness and Great Urswick in the afternoon. Just time to mow the lawn when I got home, before the rain. Then feet up for Strictly! 🙂 Jo.  …


Tarn Hows & Black Crag with Fr. John

11th August 2017

The forecast for our last walk together was rain and gales, so we decided on a lower, shorter walk. John hasn’t walked any southern fells, so we walked up Black Crag via Tom Gill waterfall and Tarn Hows, starting from Glen Mary NT car park, by…


Greystones to Barf with Fr. John

8th August 2017

John and I had decided to walk four grassy Wainwrights: Greystones, Broom Fell, Lord’s Seat and Barf. I parked my car at the Whinlatter Visitor Centre and we drove John’s car to Spout Force car park (free), a couple a miles further up the…


South Walney Nature Reserve with Fr. John.

4th August 2017

Fr. John came down to visit us on Walney Island, so in the morning I took him down the south end of the island to the Nature Reserve. The circuit is three and three quarter miles long and takes a couple of hours, more if you want to spend time in the…


St. Bees to Whitehaven Cliff Path with Fr. John

4th August 2017

Fr. John met me off the train at St. Bees’ station and we drove down and parked at the beach. We were going to walk the cliff path to Whitehaven, then catch the train back to St. Bees. The walk was 7 miles and would take about four hours. It wa…


Alcock Tarn with Fr. John

31st July 2017

I had arranged to meet Fr. John in the lay-by at Grasmere, at 9am. We usually meet up for a few walks every year. He had left darkest Surrey at 3am for his annual walking holiday in the lakes. He would be staying in the presbytery at St. Joseph…


Barrow Town Hall Tower Tour

26th July 2017

On Wednesday afternoon the St. James’ bell ringers went on a tour of the bell tower of Barrow Town Hall, organised by ringer, Sue. I have done Town Hall Tours before when I accompanied my students from school, but I have never visited the tower…


Blencathra & Mungrisdale Common

14th July 2017

On Friday Ged, Kas and I drove to the Blencathra Center at Threlkeld in order to climb up to Blencathra. Blencathra is comprised of five separate fells. Today we would ascend via Blease Fell, a route that I have only used once, to descend by. We woul…


Rydal Roam and Ring

9th July 2017

On Saturday Andy, Cameron, Sue and myself drove to Ambleside to walk around Rydal Water, visit Rydal Cave and Grasmere and to ring the bells at St. Mary’s Church in the afternoon with ringers from the Furness and South Lakes Branch. For once we…


Dash Falls and Bakestall

5th July 2017

On Wednesday Ged, Kas and I took a walk from Peter House Farm up to Dash Falls and then on up to Bakestall. The Orthwaite Road was closed (bridge work) so we had to find a route via Bassenthwaite Village to get to the farm. We didn’t start walk…


Harris and Lewis

21st June 2017

The final part of our trip was to Harris and Lewis. Thankfully the weather bucked up on Harris and Lewis. We will have to return in another 27 years….or so. 😉 Jo.   …


The Uists

18th June 2017

The next leg of our journey was from Barra to the Island of Eriskay then onto South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist and Berneray. Religion is divided on the Western Isles. Barra and South Uist are Catholic, North Uist and Harris and Lewis are Protestant….


‘Barra’ to Barra

16th June 2017

‘Barra’ in Furness to Barra in the Outer Hebrides! We plan to work our way up from Barra to Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, Berneray, Harris and Lewis. We did a similar trip twenty seven years ago and camped out under the star…


Hawkshead, Chapel Stile rings and walk

10th June 2017

On Saturday the Barrow, St. James’ ringers rang at Hawkshead church. We had planned to do a walk around Blea Tarn and up onto Side Pike, but the weather was dreadful so we visited the Ruskin Museum instead. Then we rang at Langdale Church in Ch…


Furness Ringers Tour North Cumbria

29th May 2017

On Bank Holiday Monday bell ringers from Furness and South Lakes attended their annual Branch Outing. This year we visited north Cumbria taking in towers at Shap, Penrith, Great Salkeld, Keswick and Cockermouth. I drove to Alan’s house in Bards…


Bellringers’ Walk Pendragon Castle

13th May 2017

On Saturday the St. James’ bellringers joined fellow ringers of the Furness and South Lakeland branch, at Kirkby Stephen in the afternoon. On our way we rang at Orton Church at 10am and visited the Farmers’ Market and Chocolate Shop. In b…


Lingmell via Piers Gill with the Pollocks.

6th May 2017

On Saturday morning I joined the Pollocks (Andy, Jo, Cameron and Jason) on their walk from Wasdale up beside Piers Gill. It was a walk in memory of Andy’s friend, Ian Blakey, who died in a fall from Piers Gill on May 3rd 1997. Fellwalking and m…


Eagle Crag and Sergeant Crag

5th May 2017

On Thursday Ged, Kas and I drove to Stonethwaite in Borrowdale for a walk up to Eagle Crag and Sergeant Crag. It has been six years since we last did this walk, but it is always a good one with great views and bits of scrambling. The forecast was goo…


Souther Fell from Scales

6th April 2017

On Thursday Ged, Kas and I drove to Scales, on the A66, to walk up Souther Fell. An easy, grassy, circular walk of six miles. The walk took about three and a half hours, a very easy walk. There were a couple of rock steps on the descent, but these co…


Seathwaite Fell in Snow

26th March 2017

On Saturday Brendan and I drove to Seathwaite in Borrowdale to walk up Seathwaite Fell and visit Styhead Tarn on the route back. The walk would be about 7 miles. I recently had a corticosteroid injection in my knee joint and it is now much less painf…


Walney Walks With Buster

24th March 2017

My neighbours Bill and Sandra have recently had to contend with an ankle replacement and a leg fracture between them, so I have become a dog walker to Buster, albeit a fair weather one! The photos are from a few dog walks on Walney Island. Thankfully…


Ard Crags and Knott Rigg on a blue sky day.

6th March 2017

Over the half term holidays Roger Hiley had been on a snow covered Ard Crags where he took some excellent photos. (http://www.loweswatercam.co.uk/170224_Knott_Rigg_Ard_Crags.htm) We were hoping against hope that the snow had not totally melted over t…


Longlands Fell, Little Sca Fell and Brae Fell

3rd March 2017

On Friday Ged and I drove to Longlands, via the Orthwaite road, to do a circular walk over a few of the Uldale Fells. The weather was a bit dull, but the northern fells would see the best of the weather. We parked near the small United Utilities buil…


Holme Fell from Hodge Close

24th February 2017

It was predicted a week in advance that the day after Storm Doris would be a good day for a walk. I haven’t been able to post any walks for a while as my knee problem has prevented me from driving for any more than 20 minutes; but today Ged vol…


Dundee by the Forth Rail Bridge

23rd January 2017

We went to Dundee by rail over the Forth Rail Bridge and the Tay Bridge. My late Grandfather, Alexander Green, was born here, but I had never been to visit. We would have a walk around for four hours and see the sights. Dundee proved to be an interes…


Edinburgh Walks

22nd January 2017

One of the best things about the City of Edinburgh is that everything is in walking distance, so walk we did! I used ‘Great Breaks: Edinburgh’ (Insight Guides) to plan where to go. Next up is Dundee. Brendan wanted to go over the Forth Ra…


Arthur’s Seat Walk, Edinburgh

21st January 2017

We arrived on our four day trip to Edinburgh in blue skies and sunshine. We had come to view the Turner paintings in the Scottish National Gallery, which are only on view in January due to the low light levels. As it was such a nice day, after droppi…


Bellringers’ Walk up Hampsfell

14th January 2017

On Saturday the Barrow St. James’ bell ringers met up at the top of the Grange to Cartmel Road at 11.30am, to walk up Hampsfell. It was blue skies and sunshine, but still quite cold, and there was snow on the mountains. It was a short walk, jus…


Tarn Hows and Black Crag

4th January 2017

On Wednesday I had planned to walk up to Black Crag from Yew Tree Tarn, but the road to Skelwith Bridge from Coniston was closed for re-surfacing, so I had to start from Tarn Hows instead. This is an easy walk at the best of times, but starting from…


Christmas Bells and Walks

2nd January 2017

A few bits and pieces from over the Christmas period. Happy New Year! Jo.   …


Dalton Christmas Tree Festival 2016

11th December 2016

This year the theme of the Dalton, St. Mary’s Tree Festival was ‘A Name Remembered’. This is a yearly festival that raises money for local charities. There were far too many trees to photograph them all, below is just a selection of…


Roan Head Ponds

4th December 2016

It was a nice sunny day so Brendan and I decided to have a walk around the Roan Head ponds. They are former iron ore mines now used for permit fishing. Many are named after the mine owner’s children. There is Nigel, Rita, Kathleen,Violet, Ethel…


Blue Skies and Snow on Skiddaw

24th November 2016

Thursday was going to be a glorious blue sky day, so Tom and I decided to have a walk up Skiddaw (3,053ft). Skiddaw is a very safe mountain in snow, there is nothing to fall off or over, if you take the Jenkin Hill route up. Microspikes help enormous…


Cunswick Scar and Scout Scar with Tom

22nd November 2016

Brendan had a meeting in Kendal on Tuesday afternoon, so Tom and I came along for the ride and walked up to Cunswick Scar and Scout Scar. A walk of 7.5 miles. It rained all the way on the drive to Kendal, but it was only drizzling when we started the…


A walk up The Rock of Gibraltar

6th November 2016

Today we would have a leisurely walk up The Rock of Gibraltar for the glorious views, we would visit St. Michael’s Caves again on the way down, then relax in the Rock Hotel. Our route up starts at the back of our hotel just past the Garrison Li…


Circumnavigation of Gibraltar

5th November 2016

We went to Gibraltar for Brendan’s birthday. We decided to stay at The O’Callaghan Eliott Hotel, because it was situated just off Main St. next to the Cathedral, and handy for everywhere. We have been to Gibraltar before so we would mainl…


Dalton, St. Mary’s Tower Outing 2016

30th October 2016

On Saturday the Dalton, St. Mary’s ringers held their annual ringing tour. This year we were visiting bell towers in and around Clitheroe, Lancashire. Calling at Samlesbury, Ribchester, Clitheroe and Waddington. I left home at 7.40am to pick up…


Lake Mists and Hen Comb

25th October 2016

I set off well before dawn on Tuesday to drive to Loweswater. The forecast was excellent so I had planned to walk up Hen Comb before bell ringing at Cleator Moor in the afternoon. But before that I would visit the shores of Loweswater and Crummock Wa…


Sandscale Haws & the Black Huts to Roan Head

23rd October 2016

Sunday was a lovely day so in the afternoon Brendan, Tom and I took a walk to the Black Huts and along the beach to Roan Head, coming back via the signed footpath to Sandscale Haws Nature Reserve. We parked on the unnamed road leading off Park Road,…


Walney Channel Walks

19th October 2016

A couple of walks on either side of Walney Channel. For the first one I parked in the parking area just before the railway bridge on Park Road. For the second one I walked from home. The first walk took me two and a half hours, the second about an ho…


Burnbank Fell, Blake Fell & Carling Knott

11th October 2016

I was ringing at Cleator Moor on Tuesday afternoon so I decided to have a walk up to Burnbank Fell, Blake Fell and Carling Knott. A six mile walk that should take me about three hours. Another easy, grassy fell walk with good views. There were blue s…


Fellbarrow, Low Fell & Darling Fell

4th October 2016

On Tuesday I was once more ringing at Cleator Moor at 1.30pm. So in order to kill two birds with one stone I decided on a morning walk up to Fellbarrow, Low Fell and Darling Fell. An easy walk, all on grass, of about six miles. The weather was a bit…


Dent Fell from Cleator Moor

27th September 2016

On Tuesday afternoon I was ringing at St. John’s, Cleator Moor. So after ringing I thought I would take the opportunity to climb up to Dent summit, which I had never done before. The weather was poor in the morning, but it was due to improve, b…


Sedbergh Sheepfest & Rheged Herdwicks

22nd September 2016

On Thursday Tom and I went to Sedbergh to see the Sheepfest. Now in its third year, Sheepfest is organised by textile arts venue, Farfield Mill, to celebrate the town’s rich wool industry heritage. This year’s theme was book titles and ch…


Red Hot on Red Pike

14th September 2016

Wednesday was going to be a warm and clear, blue sky day, so Ged and I decided on Red Pike, High Stile and High Crag from Buttermere, taking the direct accent via Bleaberry Tarn. Too often Red Pike is in cloud, but it wouldn’t be today. Usually…


Heritage Open Days at St. James

11th September 2016

On Thursday evening and Saturday and Sunday, St. James Church, Barrow, opened its doors for everyone to come in and have a look around at the various displays, listen to talks, watch videos about bell ringing as well as live demonstrations of rope sp…


Great Carrs, Grey Friar and Swirl How

1st September 2016

On Thursday Ged, Kas and I drove to the top of the Wrynose Pass to walk up Wet Side Edge to Great Carrs, Grey Friar and Swirl How. A walk of six miles. Three years ago we did a walk into the Greenburn Valley and found a small piece of fuselage from t…


Ling Fell and Sale Fell with Fr. John

19th August 2016

Wind and rain was forecast for Friday, so we decided to do a couple of small fells. John had never walked up Ling Fell and Sale fell, but they are quite handy fells to walk up from the presbytery in Cockermouth if you are looking for a short walk on…


Helm Crag with Fr. John

16th August 2016

Tuesday was due to be very warm, and as we had descended quite an arduous route yesterday, we picked something simple and easy on the knees. Helm Crag (The Lion and The Lamb) from the lay-by outside Grasmere. A short route up and an easy route down….


Robinson and Hindscarth with Fr. John

15th August 2016

Monday’s weather was forecast to be blue skies and sunshine, so John and I we met up again at the church car park in Keswick, and drove to the hamlet of Little Town to climb Robinson and Hindscarth. Today there would be no mist or cloud obscuri…


Bell Ringers’ Walk up The Hoad

13th August 2016

On Saturday Barrow St. James’ ringers did a mini walk up the Hoad in Ulverston. We were originally going to walk around Hodbarrow Nature Reserve from Haverigg, but due to the discovery of asbestos in the heating system of St. George’s Chu…


Causey Pike with Fr. John

12th August 2016

On Friday I drove to Keswick to meet up with Fr. John Inglis for a walk up to Causey Pike and Scar Crags. John acts as the supply priest for Keswick and Cockermouth when here on holiday from his parish in Surrey. We try to do a few walks together. We…


Armboth Fell and Fisher Crag

19th July 2016

The temperature on Tuesday was 30C, so it would be a bit silly to go too high or too far in such heat. Son, Tom and I decided on a short walk up to Armboth Fell from the west side of Thirlmere, returning via Fisher Crag which commands super views dow…


Piel Island Walk

17th July 2016

On Sunday Brendan and I did a guided walk across the sands from Walney Island to Piel Island as part of the Morecambe Bay Partnership’s ‘Bay Archaeology Festival’. The walk was lead by archaeologist, Rachel Newman with assistance fr…


Rosthwaite Fell

14th July 2016

This would be mine and Ged’s first walk together since the start of the exam season, in early May. I decided on Rosthwaite Fell from Stonethwaite, visiting the summit, Bessyboot and Rosthwaite Cam and doing a circuit of Tarn At Leaves, but this…


Exploring Walney’s Military Heritage: Interpretation Day

10th July 2016

On Sunday morning I went along to Furness Golf Club for ‘Exploring Walney’s Military Heritage Interpretation Day’, where we would get together to look at what had been discovered so far. Morecambe Bay Partnership are working in coll…


Investigating and Recording Walney’s Military Heritage

29th June 2016

On Wednesday I was working with Morecambe Bay Partnership in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University on a project to investigate and record the military heritage of South Walney Island. The team consisted of Dr. Ben Edwards, Senior Lect…


Dapper’s Walk up The Hoad

25th June 2016

On Saturday I repeated a walk I have not done for a few years, in memory of Dapper, a local musician who died on Monday aged 69. This was his walk, and the route was passed on to me by Paul Bryden who was in ‘Bag o’ Rags’ and…


Troutbeck Tongue with Ness

24th June 2016

My sister, Ness was visiting for a long weekend, so on Friday we did her third Wainwright mountain, Troutbeck Tongue. It is an easy valley walk and a gentle ascent up the back of The Tongue, leaving the steep bit for the descent. We parked near Town…


The Coast Road and Grizedale Forest.

23rd June 2016

Two more outings with my sister on her long-weekend visit. The Grizedale Tarn Forest Trail was an easy walk. Naturally, we returned to the Visitor Center and indulged in coffee and cake before setting off for home. There are bike trails too. They eve…


Bell Ringers’ Walk from Sedbergh to Dent

11th June 2016

On Saturday the St. James’ ringers had planned another walk. This time we would ring at St. Andrew’s Church, Sedbergh at 9am for an hour, then walk the six mile section of the Dales Way to St. Andrew’s Church, Dent, and after a pub…


Brock Crags, The Nab and Rest Dodd

5th June 2016

On the last Sunday of half term I finally got an opportunity for a walk. I had taken advantage of the recent good weather by completing all my gardening tasks, including making a new wildlife pond. My reward was a good fell walk, but nothing too diff…


Bell Ringers’ Walk from Brathay to Hawkshead

14th May 2016

On Saturday morning the Barrow St. James’ bell ringers rang the bells at Brathay Church, then we walked to Hawkshead via a Roman Fort, took the ferry to Wray Castle, and made brief ‘detours’ to The Outgate Inn and the Red Lion in Ha…


Great Calva to Great Cockup

12th May 2016

The A591 between Grasmere and Keswick reopened yesterday after six months, so no more detours via the Kirkstone Pass and Dockray to reach the fells on the other side. Today we would drive over Dunmail Raise to reach Peter House Farm near Orthwaite an…


Gleaston Castle Geophysics Survey 2016

29th April 2016

Gleaston Castle is a Scheduled Monument in the village of Gleaston, South Cumbria. A twenty minute drive from my home on Walney Island. Last week I joined the volunteers, students and professional archaeologists from the University of Central Lancash…


St. Bees, St. George and Joss Naylor

24th April 2016

This post documents the events of a busy weekend. A visit to St. Bees to see friends that Brendan was at Leeds University with many moons ago, and for me a ring at the Priory and a walk to the beach. Ringing for St. George’s Day, and a talk giv…


Haverigg and Hodbarrow Nature Reserve

21st April 2016

It has been many years since I have visited Haverigg. Today was warm with gorgeous blue skies, sunshine and not a breath of wind. Brendan had a meeting in Haverigg so I could amuse myself for a couple of hours. I chose to do the waterside walk around…


Great Mell Fell and Binsey

31st March 2016

After our recent energetic mountain walks in snow I thought it would make a pleasant change to walk up a couple of easy fells. We decided on Great Mell Fell (1762ft) and Binsey (1467ft), both are easy, short walks on grass but with excellent views ou…


Blue Skies and Snow on Red Screes

7th March 2016

Monday was a superb, blue-sky day with snow on the mountains. Ged, Kas and I drove to Brothers Water, parking in the free car park at Cowbridge, in order to climb up High Hartsop Dodd, Little Hart Crag, Red Screes (2549ft) and Middle Dodd. A walk of…


Hartsop Above How and the Priest Hole

23rd February 2016

On Tuesday we decided to do a walk up to Hartsop Above How from Brigend. Previously I have only ever come down it via the steep descent to Brothers Water, but this time I thought we could walk the whole of the ridge. Ged, like me, also fancied anothe…


Blue Skies and Snow on Glenridding Dodd and Sheffield Pike

20th January 2016

On Wednesday we decided to return to Glenridding and climb up Glenridding Dodd, Heron Pike and Sheffield Pike. The forecast was good, and the day turned out to be superb! I had only been in my car for a couple of minutes when I had to stop and take a…


Kelly Hall Tarn in Snow

17th January 2016

This morning we took a drive to Torver, parking in the car park opposite the Land Rover Dealership for the short walk up and around Kelly Hall Tarn. After yesterday’s expedition in the snow up to Birkhouse Moor, I fancied something a bit less s…


Birkhouse Moor in Snow

16th January 2016

On Saturday Ged and I drove to Glenridding to walk up to Birkhouse Moor and hopefully Catstycam too. We left Kas behind because of the possibility of deep snow. We have done this walk before, but not in snow. The forecast was for blue skies and sunsh…


A Gorgeous Day in the Snow on Blackcombe

14th January 2016

I wasn’t working today and had every intention of catching up on a few chores, until I looked out of the window. A blue sky day with snow on the hills. It is windy, but Blackcombe is safe enough. Ged was busy and Brendan was in Manchester, so I…


Windy Walney Island

10th January 2016

It was very windy on Walney Island this morning, plus there was a high tide, so after Sunday Service bell ringing I went down to the beach to have a look at the sea. There has been some snow on the high fells but with the combination of constant rain…


Coniston Old Man

29th December 2015

There was yet another storm forecast for Tuesday night, so we decided to try and get a walk in before it arrived. With the recent relentless rain and gales it has been ages since we have been able to get out. Our choices were limited as we can no lon…


Portmeirion 2015

15th December 2015

For our 30th wedding anniversary we went to stay in Portmeirion, North Wales. I have been visiting Portmeirion since my student days when I used to go to ‘The Prisoner’ Conventions back in the early eighties. ‘The Prisoner’ wa…


Cartmel Priory

12th December 2015

On Saturday the 12th of December the St. James’ ringers were due to ring the bells of Cartmel Priory then walk over Hampsfell to Grange-Over-Sands, catch the train to Cark and ring the bells at Flookburgh. Unfortunately we had to cancel the wal…


Dalton Christmas Tree Festival, Ringers’ Dinner and Radio Cumbria Report.

29th November 2015

This year’s theme for the Dalton Christmas Tree Festival is ‘Let’s go to the Cinema’. There are 48 decorated trees sponsored by community groups in order to raise money for various charities. The Festival in St. Mary’s Church, Dalton-in-Furness…


Hampsfell from Cartmel

22nd November 2015

On Sunday Brendan and I did a walk from Cartmel walking over Hampsfell following the Cistercian Way. We visited Hampsfell Hospice and continued down to Grange-Over-Sands for lunch. We then took the train to Cark and rejoined the Cistercian Way back t…


Walney Island Beach and Tarn Walk

14th October 2015

It was another warm and blue sky day so I took a walk from my house down to the sea. Then I visited the tarns, walking through the North Walney Nature Reserve and over the dunes to the sea again, then back home. The walk takes less than two hours. It…


Stone Arthur, Great Rigg, Heron Pike and Alcock Tarn

12th October 2015

On Monday Ged, Kas and I drove just past Grasmere, parking in the lay-by on the A591, not far past The Swan Hotel. We would be heading up to Stone Arthur (1650ft), then onto the ridge of the Fairfield Horseshoe to Great Rigg (2516ft) and Heron Pike (…


Easedale Tarn to High Raise

1st October 2015

On Thursday I decided to do a walk I have not done for four years. I would park in the lay-by outside Grasmere and head up to Easedale Tarn, then on to Blea Rigg (1824ft), Sergeant Man (2414ft), High Raise (2500ft) and back via Tarn Crag (1591ft). A…


Dalton St. Mary’s bell ringers tour Lytham and Garstang.

26th September 2015

On Saturday, ringers and friends from St. Mary’s Church in Dalton in Furness headed for Lytham St. Annes, for our annual ringing tour, organised by Tower Captain, Stan. We had originally planned to remain in Lytham and ring at the two Roman Cat…


Sallows, Sour Howes and Two Reservoirs

22nd September 2015

On Tuesday Ged, Kas and I drove to Troutbeck Church in order to climb two of the smaller Wainwrights, Sallows (1691ft) and Sour Howes (1584ft), then for extra interest to continue on to Dubbs Reservoir and Borrans Reservoir. A walk of just under 12 m…


Causey Pike and Five Other Fells

18th September 2015

On Friday Ged, Kas and I decided to do a walk that would take us to see the best of the purple heather before it disappeared. We would climb Barrow (1496ft), Outerside (1863ft), Sail (2529ft) twice! Eel Crag (Crag Fell) (2756ft), Scar Crags (2205ft)…


Langdale Pikes

8th September 2015

On Tuesday Ged, Kas and I decided on a walk up the Langdale Pikes. This would include five Wainwrights: Harrison Stickle (2415ft), Pavey Ark (2288ft), Thunacar Knott (2372ft), Pike o’Stickle (2323ft) and Loft Crag (2270ft). We would go up via S…


Glendalough and Dublin.

27th August 2015

The steep wooded slopes of Glendalough in County Wicklow, harbours one of Ireland’s most atmospheric monastic sites. Established by St. Kevin in the 5th century it grew to be quite powerful by the 9th century, but started falling into ruin by 1…


Clonmacnoise Monastery, County Offaly.

26th August 2015

Clonmacnoise is a medieval monastery in a remote spot by the River Shannon. It was founded by St. Ciaran in 544 AD, and lays at a crossroads of medieval routes linking all parts of Ireland. Known for its scholarship and piety, it thrived from the 7th…


Holy Island, Lough Derg, County Clare.

26th August 2015

We decided to take a few days driving back to Dublin. One of our stops was Holy Island on Lough Derg. On a previous Ireland trip we had been to see Station Island on the other Lough Derg in Donegal, known as St. Patrick’s Purgatory. So we thoug…


A walk up Carran from the cottage.

24th August 2015

We have not climbed up Carran (2000ft) for a couple of years, so we decide to climb it via a different route and take in the summit of Knockantooreen too. It is a walk we can do from the cottage, as Carran is the mountain that looms over us. The walk…


Mizen Head

23rd August 2015

A drive via Bantry to Mizen Head, County Cork, to visit the Signal Station on a beautiful day. Mizen Head has some great views out on a good weather day. The Visitor Centre is well worth a visit. Some of the later photos were taken on my mobile, havi…


Gleninchaquin Walk

21st August 2015

Fellow bell ringers Anne and Keith had recommended a walk up to the waterfall at Gleninchaquin Park, County Kerry, which they did last September. I thought I had not been here before, but I recognised the waterfall from when we took Brendan’s M…


Ireland Cottage, Family And Other Animals

16th August 2015

Our cottage in County Kerry is at Knockanhua, five miles down a single track lane from Kilgarvan and at an altitude of 850ft. It is at the end of the valley and very isolated. Brendan’s father grew up here. A few walks to follow. Jo.  …


Place Fell with Father John

13th August 2015

Thursday was due to be a warm and sunny day, so John and I decided to do a walk up to Place Fell from Patterdale returning via the Ullswater Lakeside Path. The walk would be about eight and a half miles long, but on good paths and it would be gentler…


Pillar, Scoat Fell, Steeple and Red Pike with Father John

11th August 2015

On Tuesday John and I returned to Wasdale to do the Mosedale Horseshoe, which comprises Pillar (2927ft), Scoat Fell (2760ft), Steeple (2687ft) and Red Pike (2707ft). Some people add Kirk Fell and Yewbarrow to either end of the walk, but not us. Ten m…


A Circuit of Ennerdale Water with Father John

7th August 2015

The day after our walk up Great Gable, John and I decided to do an easy walk around Ennerdale Water from the Bowness Knott car park. The walk is about 7 miles long and should take about four hours. We intended to detour off the main track up to Angle…


Great Gable with Father John

6th August 2015

Father John had never walked in Wasdale before, so we decided on a walk up to Great Gable. We had looked over to Great Gable from Green Gable last year, but never had the time to detour over to it. So this year we would devote a whole day to climbing…


Garden 2015

1st August 2015

A few photos from our Walney Island garden, most of which used to be part of a field. It is about 300ft long…..Plus a few cat photos too…..and squirrels…. and I certainly can’t leave out the sheep! 🙂 Jo.  …


Striking Competition and a St. James’ Day Peal

25th July 2015

On Friday night the Furness and South Lakes Branch of the Lancashire Association of Change Ringers held their annual Six Bell Striking Competition at St George’s Church in Millom this year, and an excellent venue it turned out to be! Then on Sa…


Holme Fell and Cathedral Quarry with Anne and Keith

22nd July 2015

On Wednesday afternoon I met up with two fellow bell ringers, Anne and Keith, to do a walk up to Holme Fell from Hodge Close, near Coniston. We arranged to meet at the Spark Bridge turn off and continue on in one car. Even though they are keen walker…


Tom’s Graduation

17th July 2015

Friday was Tom’s graduation ceremony at Lancaster University. Lancaster is a collegiate university. There are eight colleges. Tom was in Grizedale College and the students graduate by college not by faculty. Tom gained a BA (hons) 2:1 in Philos…


Bell Ringers’ Walk From Hawkshead To Bowness

11th July 2015

On Saturday we had a St. James’ bell ringers’ walk from Hawkshead to Bowness. We would ring the bells of St. Michael’s, Hawkshead for an hour, then walk via Latterbarrow, Claife Heights, Near Sawrey (for lunch) and Far Sawrey. Then…


Latterbarrow and Claife Heights from Hawkshead

3rd July 2015

Next Saturday I am leading a St. James’ bell ringers’ walk from Hawkshead to Bowness over Latterbarrow and Claife Heights. A walk of approximately seven miles. We will be ringing at both churches. I have never walked from Hawkshead, never…


Ullscarf via Harrop Tarn and Blea Tarn

30th June 2015

Work and weekend wedding bell ringing has kept me off the fells recently, but I have now finished work for the summer. As Tuesday was the start of the heatwave, I decided on a walk away from the crowds which could include some wild swimming. Ged, Kas…


Bluebells and Rannerdale Knotts

4th June 2015

Ged and I were working on Thursday morning but were free after the maths exam. So in order to make the most of the best weather day of the week we decided to head off to Rannerdale straight from work in order to see the bluebells in flower before the…


Buckingham Palace Garden Party

28th May 2015

On Thursday morning Brendan and I caught the train to London as we had been invited to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. There is a strict dress code, and for women, unfortunately, it includes a hat. Bugger! I borrowed a ‘fascinator’ f…


Paper Bridge in Grisedale and Hard Tarn

15th May 2015

On Friday Ged and I went to Patterdale to walk into the Grisedale Valley to see the Paper Bridge, an Art Installation by artist Steven Messam, it was due to be dismantled on Monday. We would then continue on up the valley to Ruthwaite Lodge. From the…


My First Quarter Peal for ‘Believe in Barrow’

13th May 2015

On Wednesday, as part of the ‘Believe in Barrow’ celebrations, we rang the St.James’ bells to welcome the Archbishop of York, Dr. John Sentamu and the Bishop of Carlisle, James Newcome to Barrow. St. James’ Vicar, John Hodgkin…


Keswick to Barrow Walk 2015

9th May 2015

It is that time of the year again when 2000 plus masochists meet in a muddy field in Keswick at dawn, to walk the 40 glorious miles back to Barrow. Once again I am walking in aid of the Hospital Equipment Fund for Furness (HEFF). I never meet the oth…


Furness Bell Ringers Tour West Cumbria 2015

4th May 2015

On Bank Holiday Monday members of the Furness Branch of the LACR toured six church bell towers in the west of Cumbria. We visited towers in Arlecdon, Cleator Moor, Egremont, St Bees, Hensingham and Whitehaven, ending with a meal at a local hostelry. …


The Coastal Path from South to North Walney Island

27th April 2015

The weather was going to be better at home than on the hills today so I decided to do a walk from the South Nature Reserve up to the North End of Walney Island, keeping to the west coastal path. I got Brendan to drop me off at the South Reserve entra…


From Lowick over Kirkby Moor to North Scale, Walney Island.

23rd April 2015

This morning I got Brendan to drop me off at The Red Lion Inn at Lowick at 8.30am. I will be walking back home following the K2B route for another training walk. The pub is at the 26 mile marker, so 14 miles to the finish plus nearly 4 miles to walk…


A sunny day on Grike, Crag Fell and Lank Rigg

22nd April 2015

Tuesday was a glorious blue sky day so I set off to Climb Grike, Crag Fell, Iron Crag, Whoap and Lank Rigg. A walk of 12.5 miles in an area where very few people venture. I parked on the Cold Fell Road next to the Kinniside Stone Circle. An excellent…


Bell-ringers’ Walk: Brathay to Chapel Stile

11th April 2015

On Saturday Andy, the Tower Captain of St. James’, Barrow, had organised a bell-ringers’ walk from Holy Trinity Church at Brathay, near Ambleside, to Holy Trinity Church, Great Langdale which is in Chapel Stile, and where the Furness Bran…


Silver How: From Grasmere to Chapel Stile

9th April 2015

On Thursday Ged and I drove to Grasmere to climb Silver How. Usually we go up via Allan Bank but today we would ascend via Kelbarrow and descend down to Chapel Stile via Meg’s Gill into Thrang Quarry. Returning to Grasmere via Elterwater and a…


Wallowbarrow Crag and Green Crag

2nd April 2015

After a week of rain and gales, Thursday turned out to be quite a nice day. As it was the Easter holidays we decided to get well away from the ‘madding crowds’ and go to Seathwaite in order to climb up Wallowbarrow Crag, take a detour via…


Cartmel Priory Bell Ringing Training Day

28th March 2015

On Saturday morning I drove Andy, Barrow Tower Captain, and myself to Cartmel Priory for a Branch Training Day. I have never been up the bell tower of Cartmel Priory even though I spent three years teaching at Cartmel Priory CofE Secondary School, an…


Muncaster Fell and Stainton Tower

25th March 2015

I had to drop into school and visit Tesco in the morning so I would be starting out late. I had planned to walk over Grike and Crag Fell, but the Cold Fell Road was closed and I couldn’t be bothered to drive all the way around, and didn’t…


Harter Fell

19th March 2015

Finally we get a nice day with no wind, so Ged, Kas and I headed for Eskdale via Birker Fell, parking at Jubilee Bridge at the bottom of the Hardknott Pass. Our route would take us up and around the back of Harter Fell. The weather was quite warm and…


Latterbarrow Quickie

16th March 2015

I was in Ambleside this morning, shopping for seeds at Hayes Garden Centre. On the way back I decided to detour via Hawkshead for a quick walk up Latterbarrow. I parked on the road to Wray, about a mile past Colthouse, in a space just next to the foo…


St. James’ Bell Tower Open Day

7th March 2015

On Saturday 7th March we marked the first anniversary of the re-dedication of the bells by holding a Bell Tower Open Day and having a celebratory meal in the evening at a local Italian. There were displays in the church, including archive material an…


St. James’ Bellringers’ Meal

5th March 2015

On Saturday March 5th the St. James’ Church bell ringers marked the second anniversary since the re-dedication of the bells by having a meal at The Crown at North Scale, Walney Island. Great for me as I only live a few minutes walk away! In the…


Walney Island Delights

14th February 2015

A short walk to the beach from home this weekend, going via the airfield then along some of the newly created paths to the North End Nature Reserve, plus some photos of Walney Channel on a still, sunny day. Proof that a windless day on Walney Island…


Helvellyn in Freezing Fog

11th February 2015

Yesterday we decided to have a walk up Helvellyn from Wythburn. The Weatherline forecast and the BBC Radio Cumbria Fell Forecast had predicted a cloud inversion, where the high peaks are above the clouds in blue skies and sunshine. This had happened…


High Rigg and Tewet Tarn in Snow.

4th February 2015

There were blue skies and sunshine again on Wednesday so today we decided on a walk over High Rigg, down to the church and on to Tewet Tarn, returning via the footpath through St John’s in the Vale. A walk of about 7 miles. We parked the car op…


Middle Fell in Snow and Candlemas

2nd February 2015

On Monday Ged and I had planned to do Grike and Crag Fell, but the Cold Fell road was closed so we went to plan B, Middle Fell from Greendale. If Wasdale turned out to be inaccessible plan C was Muncaster Fell from the main road. Thankfully there was…


Fairport Convention, Ulverston 2015

1st February 2015

On Sunday night we went to The Coronation Hall in Ulverston to see Fairport Convention once again, and to catch up with my old friend, Martin. Fairport have a new album out called ‘Myths and Heroes’, so they played a lot of their new mate…


Torver Tarns in Blue Skies

1st February 2015

There were blue skies and sunshine on Sunday which could not be wasted, so after bell ringing for two Sunday Services in the morning, I was keen to get out in the fresh air and persuaded Brendan to join me on a walk around three Torver Tarns. Kelly H…


Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head in Snow

19th January 2015

After two weeks of working it was about time I got up in some snow! It has been a while since we have done any North Western Fells, so we decided on Grisedale Pike from Braithwaite, then heading for Hopegill Head and over Sand Hill down to Coledale H…


Coniston Old Man with Tom, in snow

29th December 2014

Today, son, Tom and I went for a walk to find some snow. We decided on Coniston Old Man from Torver, climbing up the south ridge (Jack Diamond path) and back via Goats Water. A walk of just over 7 miles. Torver and the Coniston Valley was shrouded in…


Christmas 2014

25th December 2014

A few photos from over the Christmas period including a walk up Gummers How, cats , Coast Road and Family. A very quiet Christmas! Happy New Year, Jo. …


Wansfell Pike and Wansfell

19th December 2014

Friday was the first day of the school holidays so me, Ged and Lynne from School, and her friend Tony visiting from Toronto, Canada, decided to do a walk over Wansfell. Lynne is leading a walk for her ramblers group soon so she wanted to sniff out th…


Brock Barrow

16th December 2014

After a couple of weeks of never ending gales, Tuesday morning had a long awaited weather-window, so Ged and I decided to stretch our legs on Brock Barrow. It was sunny and mild with no wind, and most of the recent snow had gone. I parked in the lay-…


Dalton St. Mary’s Christmas Tree Festival 2014

30th November 2014

This year’s theme for the Christmas Tree Festival is ‘Television Programmes’. There are 52 decorated trees sponsored by community groups in order to raise money for various charities. The Festival in St Mary’s Church, Dalton-i…


Great Stickle and Stickle Pike

30th November 2014

On Sunday Brendan and I drove to the top of Kiln Bank in Dunnerdale to have a walk up Great Stickle (990ft) and Stickle Pike (1231ft), two fells from Wainwright’s Outlying Fell Book that I haven’t visited since 2009. Today’s walk is…


Aldingham and Birkrigg

23rd November 2014

I had to bell ring at three services on Sunday, the usual two morning services plus a Confirmation Service attended by the Bishop in the early evening, so I only had a small window to make the most of the good weather. Also, being only 12 days after…


Eskdale to Great Moss

5th November 2014

Yesterday Ged and I changed our walking plans to head to Eskdale and on up to Great Moss to look out for Jasper, a border collie who went missing at Cam Spout, below Scafell Pike, on Sunday. There would not be enough time for us to go up to Scafell P…


Blue Skies at Walney Island North End.

4th November 2014

The sun was shining on Tuesday so I decided to do a walk from home to the North End of Walney Island. The walk is about six miles and takes under four hours. The walk took three hours and twenty five minutes. Always a good little walk! Jo.  …


Dalton St. Mary’s Bell Ringers on Tour

25th October 2014

On Saturday the 25th of October Dalton St Mary’s bell ringers and friends held their annual Tower Outing. This year we would venture to Lancashire and North Yorkshire visiting bell towers in Whittington, Gargrave, Kirkby Malham and Giggleswick….


Blea Tarn and Side Pike

12th October 2014

There were blue skies early yesterday morning, but the hills were in cloud as were the valleys. I was bell ringing in the morning so we did not set off until after 11.30am, hoping that the early morning cloud would have burned off by then. Brendan an…


Holme Fell from Hodge Close

2nd October 2014

Yesterday on a still, beautiful blue sky day, I drove to Hodge Close in order to climb Holme Fell. I would visit the quarry too and drive home with a stop off at Kelly Hall Tarn. Rain and gales were forecast for the following day, so this would be th…


A Circuit of Devoke Water via Six Outlying Fells

19th September 2014

Having had a cold and then a sinus infection I hadn’t felt much like walking up mountains since my return from Ireland, but today was the last of the recent good weather, so I thought I’d best get off my backside and go and walk up a few…


A Walk From Knockanuha to Deesert and Cummeen, County Kerry.

4th September 2014

Today we were walking down into the valley to Deesert, to the house that belonged to Brendan’s Great Grandmother, and the house where his father was born. Sadly the house is now abandoned and going to ruin, mainly because of its isolation and l…


Bere Island, County Cork.

3rd September 2014

Bere Island lies at the entrance to the magnificent Bantry Bay and guards the deep water harbour of Berehaven, in West Cork, in the South West of Ireland. The island is just 2kms offshore from the town of Castletownbere, the largest white fishing por…


Ireland: Cottages, Castles, Churches and Gaelic Football

3rd September 2014

A few excursions here and there. Jo. …


A Walk Around Gougane Barra

2nd September 2014

One sunny afternoon we decided to take a trip to Gougane Barra in County Cork. We were last there a couple of years ago when we did the Pilgrimage Walk on Gougane Sunday, the Feast Day of St. Finbarr, which starts just below our cottage in Knockanuha…


Mount Brandon, County Kerry 2014

1st September 2014

It had rained for most of the first week we were in Kerry, so on the first day when it was not going to rain and the clouds were above the summits, we drove to the Dingle Peninsula to climb Mount Brandon (3127ft), the highest mountain in Ireland outs…


Riggindale Ridge to High Street with Father John

22nd August 2014

Last August John and I were sat having lunch on Branstree looking over Haweswater to the Riggindale ridge route up to High Street. He said that he would like to try the route out and didn’t believe me when I said that it would take about three…


Carrock Fell and High Pike with Father John.

18th August 2014

On Monday I met up with Fr. John in the car park of Our Lady of the Lakes R.C. Church in Keswick and we headed for Mosedale, off the A66, in order to Climb Carrock Fell (2174ft) and High Pike (2157ft), then to return via Lingy Hut and Swineside. A wa…


Furness Branch Striking Competition 2014

15th August 2014

On Friday night the Dalton St. Mary’s bell ringers headed for Holy Trinity Church at Brathay, near Ambleside, to take part in the annual Furness Branch Six Bell Striking Competition. We had an excellent evening, in a wonderful setting for a sum…


A Loweswater Circuit with Father John

14th August 2014

On Thursday I drove to the presbytery of St. Joseph’s, Cockermouth to go walking with Fr. John Inglis, who was up for his annual two week holiday, covering the weekend services in the Keswick parish for Fr. Tom Singleton. John used to stay in K…


Keswick Railway Path and Latrigg with Ness

13th August 2014

On Wednesday my sister, Ness and I drove to Keswick to amble along the very easy Railway Path and up to the summit of Latrigg. A walk of about 6 miles. The back of Latrigg has a very gentle incline and is easier to go up than the Spooney Green Lane p…


Black Fell: Ness’ First Wainwright

12th August 2014

On Monday my sister, Ness and I decided to take a walk up Tom Gill to Tarn Hows, and weather willing we would walk up Black Fell to Black Crag (1056ft), a Wainwright mountain! The county was feeling the effects of Hurricane Bertha and it was forecast…


South Walney Nature Reserve with Ness

9th August 2014

On Saturday I was bell ringing for two weddings in the morning, so we decided to do an afternoon walk around South Walney Nature Reserve. As I live on Walney Island it takes no time to get there, and the views out on a good day are superb. The walk i…


Grasmere and Rydal Water with Ness

8th August 2014

My sister, Ness was up to stay for a few days. So I chose an easy, gentle walk for her to do. There are not many walks simpler than the walk around Rydal Water and Grasmere, with the added benefit of coffee and cake, and shopping, at the half way poi…


Three Torver Tarns

5th August 2014

It was due to rain on Tuesday afternoon so we decided on a short walk that was not too far to drive to either. We parked in the lay-by where the Cumbria way path crosses the main road towards Torver, just past Sunny Bank. There are spaces for about s…


Black Fell and a St. James’ Day Peal at St. James’ Church, Barrow

26th July 2014

I left home at 6.30am on Friday so I could be back home by lunch in time to be at St. James’ church, Barrow, before the start of the Anniversary Peal, 137 years after the first peal, and the first peal to be rang this century. My plan was a wal…


High Street to Stony Cove Pike from Hartsop

22nd July 2014

On Tuesday Ged, Kas and I drove to Hartsop in order to walk up to High Street, Thornthwaite Crag, Gray Crag and Stony Cove Pike/Caudale Moor and descend down to the pub at Brothers Water before making a circuit of the lake and returning to Hartsop. A…


Mellbreak, Floutern Tarn, Gavel Fell and High Nook Tarn.

17th July 2014

On Tuesday Ged, Kas and I decided to have a walk up Mellbreak and around to Gavel Fell and visit Floutern and High Nook Tarns too. The weather was due to be okay to start and to improve as the day went on. The walk was 10.5 miles long and took us 7 h…


Yewbarrow, Red Pike and Low Tarn

9th July 2014

On Wednesday Ged, Kas and I drove to Overbeck on the side of Wast Water in order to climb up Yewbarrow (2058ft) then continue on to Red Pike (2707ft) and descend via Low Tarn, a walk of seven and a half miles, but with some very steep terrain, scramb…


Seat Sandal and Grisedale Tarn via Tongue Gill

2nd July 2014

On Wednesday Ged, Kas and I decided to walk up Tongue Gill to Grisedale Tarn and then to go up Seat Sandal and take the grassy route down its front, back to Grasmere. We parked in the lay-by and walked up towards Mill Bridge. It is a walk of just und…


Alice and Gavin’s Wedding

28th June 2014

Saturday the 28th of June was Alice and Gavin’s Wedding. It was held at St. Mary’s R.C. Church in Yealand Conyers, Lancashire. The reception was at The Low Wood Hotel on the shores of Windermere, which has excellent views out to the Lakel…


Wetherlam Edge from Tilberthwaite

5th June 2014

On Thursday Lynne, Ged and I used our day off work in order to climb Wetherlam via Wetherlam Edge from Tilberthwaite. It was forecast as the best day of the week, unfortunately that weather of blue skies and sunshine came on the following day when we…


Furness Bell Ringers On Tour

26th May 2014

On Bank Holiday Monday the Furness Branch of the Lancashire Association of Change Ringers held their annual church tower outing to six churches with six or more bells. This year it was an ‘expedition’ to the Preston Branch organised by Ke…


Walla Crag to High Tove and Watendlath

21st May 2014

On Wednesday Ged, Lynne and I decided to walk from Ashness Bridge up to Walla Crag, then over Bleaberry Fell, High Seat and High Tove and down to Watendlath for coffee, then back along the riverside valley path. A walk of 9.6 miles. The weather was f…


Catbells to High Spy with Lynne and Dorothy

17th May 2014

On Saturday I drove to Keswick and parked next to Portinscale Suspension Bridge. The whole road was full of camper vans and caravans, luckily I managed to find a space. I was going to be meeting up with Lynne and her friend Dorothy from Kendal, in Po…


Keswick to Barrow Walk 2014

10th May 2014

Saturday the 10th May was the day of the 48th annual Keswick to Barrow Walk (40 miles), with a new record of over 3000 walkers entered to take part. I had completed it last year when it rained for the first 7 hours and 20 minutes, and I decided that…


Sunnybank to Coniston via the Cumbria Way Lake Shore Path

5th May 2014

On Bank Holiday Monday Brendan and I decided to walk from Sunnybank on the shores of Coniston Water to Coniston Village and back using the Cumbria Way Lake Shore Path. We parked in the many lay-by spaces on the shore of Coniston Water at Oxen House B…


Lowick Bridge to North Scale, Walney Island.

29th April 2014

This morning I got Brendan to drop me off at The Red Lion Inn at Lowick at 10am. I will be walking back home following the K2B route for another training walk. The pub is at the 26 mile marker, so 14 miles to the finish plus nearly 4 miles to walk ba…


St. Bees to Whitehaven via the cliff-top path

25th April 2014

I had been too busy over Easter with decorating and gardening to do any training walks for the 40 mile Keswick to Barrow Walk being held in two weeks time. Then on Wednesday I pulled a muscle in my back, but was still determined to do a walk of some…


Black Sail Hut and a Walk Around Ennerdale Water

11th April 2014

It is four weeks until the annual Keswick to Barrow 40 mile walk, so I need to do a bit of distance training to make sure my feet are not going to be susceptible to blisters. The walk to Black Sail Hut and around Ennerdale Water from Bowness Knott is…


Gowbarrow Fell, Aira Force and Little Mell Fell

2nd April 2014

On Wednesday Ged, Kas and I drove to the NT car park at Aira Force, on the side of Ullswater, in order to walk the circuit of Gowbarrow Fell, gaining the summit from the north. We would then walk back via Aira Force before driving to The Hause for th…


Kidsty Pike to Brock Crags from Hartsop in Blue skies and Snow

24th March 2014

It had snowed in the hills on Friday night so we decided to get above the snow line on a circular walk from Hartsop. We were originally going to climb The Knott, Rampsgill Head, Kidsty Pike, High Street, Thornthwaite Crag and Gray Crag and do a circu…


Ringing The Bells of St. James the Great

19th March 2014

The bells of St. James’ Church had not been rung since 1999. The fittings were corroded and the timber frame was in a dire state. In 2007 ringer, Geoff Pullin, from Daventry was visiting his son who worked at the shipyard, and was made aware of…


Ullock Pike to Skiddaw

11th March 2014

Yet another glorious, blue sky day, so I can’t waste it. Ged, Kas and I drive to Dodd Wood to walk up to The Edge, over Ullock Pike, Longside Edge, Carl Side and up to Skiddaw, then climbing down the back to Broad End and Barkbethdale, then Sou…


Loughrigg Fell, Ambleside and Rydal Hall

10th March 2014

On Monday Brendan and I drove to Rydal Hall, parking by the church, in order to walk up Loughrigg Fell. We would have lunch in Ambleside and walk back through Rydal Park, visiting Rydal Hall. A walk of 9.5 miles. The weather was superb. Blue skies an…


Fairport Convention at the Coronation Hall, Ulverston 2014

5th March 2014

This year Fairport Convention actually made it to Ulverston for the first time in their 47 year history! One of the things I love about Fairport gigs is that often I am one of the youngest there! A spring chicken in a sea of grey. Not so this year, a…


London Weekend Trip

2nd March 2014

I was down in London this weekend, Brendan had a Labour Conference at the Excel Centre, so we stayed out at Beckton (via Dockland Light Railway), and I was let loose for a couple of days by myself. I used to live in London, so I know my way around. F…


Walney Island North End Post Storm Walk

7th February 2014

As it was a surprisingly superb afternoon (no rain or gales ), I took a walk around the north end of Walney Island starting from home to have a look at any storm damage. Barrovians don’t need to waste their dosh going to the Caribbean and such…


Helvellyn in snow from Wythburn

30th January 2014

We have been waiting for weeks for a weather window to allow us to get up a mountain in the snow, but gale force winds and rain have been the norm of late. Today the wind was only forecast to be 30mph, with no rain, and there was a possibility of som…


Warton Crag Nature Reserve and Peter Lane Lime Kiln

18th January 2014

On Saturday morning we drove to Warton in Lancashire for our annual family and friends walk which is usually held on Boxing Day, but as several people were away at Christmas it was postponed until today. We went via L’Arche in Preston to pick u…


A walk around South Walney Nature Reserve

11th January 2014

Today was quite a nice day so I decided to have a drive down to the South End of the Island and see what damage the recent storms had done. As I drove between the Caravan Park and the Nature Reserve I could see that the waves had come up to at least…


Bowscale Fell via the East Ridge and Around

17th December 2013

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to Mungrisedale to Climb Bowscale Fell (2306ft) by the east ridge and continued on to Bannerdale Crags (2241ft) and back via the Glenderamackin Valley. A walk of 9 miles. The weather was much better than it had been for…


Greenburn Round: Steel Fell to Helm Crag

6th December 2013

Today Ged, Kas and I drove to Grasmere to climb Steel Fell (1811ft), Calf Crag (1762ft), Gibson Knott (1379ft) and Helm Crag (1299ft). It is a circular walk that follows the ridges of the Greenburn Valley. About 8.1 miles. I parked in a lay-by on the…


Blackcombe and Around

30th November 2013

On Saturday morning we drove to Whicham Church. On the journey there in the car the visibility of the mountains was superb. We had decided to climb up Blackcombe and then to head over the summit and down the other side before heading west towards Boo…


Walney Island North End Circuit

22nd November 2013

Yesterday John, Dave and Peter took the train from Hest Bank across the Bay to join us on a walk around the North End of Walney Island. We picked them up from the station and after a coffee we set off from our house for the route alongside the airpor…


Blue Skies on Gummers How

10th November 2013

I had my knee arthroscopy on Monday. My consultant said that it is supposed to be about six weeks until I climb any fells. But I’m sure he ‘really’ meant six days! I think that ‘time’ for fell walkers works roughly along…


Keswick Railway Path and Latrigg

1st November 2013

Yesterday Ged and I went to Keswick and walked along the Old Railway Path and up to Latrigg. The weather has been awful for the past month, endless rain and gales. Ged was having a problem with a foot ligament so we just did something small and combi…


Seven Sisters via the South Downs Way with Fr. John.

23rd September 2013

Brendan and I went down to Brighton for the Labour Party Conference. We stayed with designer and author Joanna Osborne and her husband, composer and author Orlando Gough and their fine lurcher, Nell. Their house on Sillwood Road used to be a Theatric…


Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick from Troutbeck

10th September 2013

On Tuesday Ged, Kas and I drove to Troutbeck in order to climb Yoke (2316ft), Ill Bell (2483ft) and Froswick (2360ft) via the Garburn Pass, then back down the valley beside Troutbeck Tongue. A walk of 10 miles. I had a pair of new Brasher boots to tr…


Crinkle Crags via Hell Gill

4th September 2013

Yesterday Ged, Kas and me drove to Great Langdale to climb Crinkle Crags (2816ft) via Hell Gill, Cold Pike (2300ft) and Pike O’Blisco (2313ft). A walk of about 10 miles. There was a thick sea mist on Walney Island this morning when I set off, a…


Red Pike from Ennerdale

26th August 2013

Yesterday Brendan and I went to Ennerdale to climb up Red Pike (2479ft). The last time I took Brendan here the view was just cloud and he saw nothing. Red Pike has one of the best views in the Lakes and is not to be missed! It was a Bank Holiday Mond…


Base Brown to Fleetwith Pike with Father John

14th August 2013

Yesterday I did another walk with Father John, a priest from the Diocese of Brighton and Arundel that I met three years ago on a mountain, and we kept in touch. He acts as the supply priest for the Keswick Parish for two weeks in August, which also d…


Swindale Round with Father John

8th August 2013

On Thursday I went walking with Father John. I first met John three years ago at the top of Gasgale Gill in the mist, looking a bit lost, so I stopped and asked him if he was okay. He was heading for Grasmoor, and so was I, so we walked together. He…


Kerry and Cork

4th August 2013

A few of the highlights from our week in Kerry. I fly back to Manchester and Brendan will return in another week. Jo   …


Torc Mountain in County Kerry, Ireland

2nd August 2013

The weather has not been kind enough to go over to Dingle to climb Mount Brandon. So we do a mountain that is smaller and nearer. Torc Mountain is near Muckross, Killarney. It is 1,775ft high. It is a there and back walk of about 5 miles. A good litt…


Galway City, The Burren, Kerry and a Dog or Two!

30th July 2013

Galway City…. Patsy next door has holes in his roof, and still has no bathroom or toilet in his house, so he will be moving into our cottage for the next few months. Should keep it well aired for the winter! Jo. …


Connemara

29th July 2013

From Bundoran we drove through Sligo and Mayo and passed Croagh Patrick in mist. It is another site of pilgrimage. A walk that is still on my list of things to do.The previous day had been Reek Sunday. 12,000 people had attempted the summit (2507ft)…


Londonderry and Donegal

28th July 2013

Today we headed for Londonderry/Derry…… Next stop Connemara and Galway…. Jo. …


Antrim Coast

27th July 2013

We usually go to Kerry via Holyhead and Dublin, but this year we decided to have a few days travelling down via the north and west coast. We took the car ferry from Cairnryan in Scotland to Larne in Northern Ireland arriving about 4pm, then on to the…


River Esk and Hardknott

22nd July 2013

Yesterday, on what was the hottest day of the year so far, Ged, Kas, Tom and I drove to Brotherilkeld near Eskdale to walk up the River Esk to Tongue Pot for a swim. Then we would go over Hardknott and walk back down the Hardknott Pass. A six mile ci…


Circuit of Wast Water via the Wasdale Screes

18th July 2013

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to the side of Wast Water in order to do a circuit around the lake by climbing up Whin Rigg and Illgill Head. But also detouring down to Burnmoor Tarn for a swim. A walk of just about 11 miles…….in yet more…


Six Fells From Hartsop

12th July 2013

Yesterday I drove to Hartsop for a solitary walk over some Far Eastern Fells. Brock Crags (1842ft), Rest Dodd (2278ft), The Knott (2423ft), Kidsty Pike (2560ft), High Raise (2634ft) and Rampsgill Head (2581ft) then heading down to Hayeswater and walk…


Causey Pike to Sail with Tom

8th July 2013

Today Tom and I drove to Uzzicar in order to climb up Causey Pike, Scar Crags and Sail. A walk of six miles. It has been five weeks since my last fell walk, the longest time I have ever gone without climbing up something! Even when I had my knee arth…


Wild Swimming in Langstrath

5th July 2013

The house looks like a bomb has hit it, and there is a gorilla suit on the top landing! Why? Tom is home from university for the summer! Yesterday Ged, Kas, Tom and I drove to Stonethwaite to walk up the Langstrath Valley to just beyond Tray Dub oppo…


A Sail Past and a Walk Around Venice

24th June 2013

View from the Costa Magica as we cruised past Venice. We would return for an overnight stop and do the sights! Venice was excellent! Need more time to do it justice…..at least five days! Plus a lottery win to pay for it. It is a very expensive…


A Walk Around Dubrovnik Old Town

23rd June 2013

We got an early start in order to walk around Dubrovnik’s Old Town. It was an even bigger task to embark 3000 people all wanting to leave Dubrovnik at the same time! But even then I think we only queued up for about 30 minutes. The Old Town of…


A Walk Around Corfu Town

22nd June 2013

Today we were to visit Corfu Town. We had been to Corfu before when Tom was small and had stayed in the village of Kalami, directly opposite The White House where Lawrence Durrell wrote ‘Prospero’s Cell’. Quite possibly the dullest…


A Walk Around Fira, Santorini

21st June 2013

We have visited Santorini before, on a day trip from Crete. We had seen all the archaeological sites on that visit, so today we would just walk around Fira and relax. An excellent day. Jo. …


A Walk Around Piraeus, Greece.

19th June 2013

The next stop was the port of Piraeus. Which is the gateway to Athens. Piraeus turned out to be much better than we expected. It would have been far too hot to revisit The Acropolis. Jo.   …


A Walk Around Bari in Puglia, Italy

18th June 2013

Bari is the capital of Puglia. As usual we did our own thing, shunning the organised and expensive excursions. We walked from the ship. I just used the map from ‘Rough Guide to Italy’ which was more than sufficient to find your own way ar…


Portmeirion Walks 2013

31st May 2013

There were quite a few walks you could do from the hotel. An excellent three days! Jo. …


Portmeirion 2013

31st May 2013

At the end of May we had a few days in Portmeirion. I have been visiting Portmeirion since 1984, when I was 22. It provided the set for the 1968 TV series ‘The Prisoner’.   …


Mount Snowdon The Easy Way 2013

30th May 2013

We had planned to walk up Mt. Snowdon, but this time using a different route. Unfortunately my recent ascent of Scafell Pike had caused my knee to swell. I think another arthroscopy is imminent! The ascent of the Miners’ Track via the lakes and…


Scafell Pike with Leigh and Deb

27th May 2013

I send my walking emails to Claire, an American from South Carolina who lives in Barrow, and she forwards them on to friends of her’s in the States. Two of those friends are Leigh and Deb from Richmond, Virginia. Leigh is an old college friend…


Muncaster Fell

21st May 2013

I now have a new camera a try out! Like my old one, it is a Canon Ixus, this time the 230, which is tiny. I have upgraded from 10mp to 12mp, a 5x zoom to an 8x, and from a 37mm lens to a 28mm, meaning it has a wider angle lens and so […]


Keswick To Barrow Walk

11th May 2013

I had to be up at 3am in order to catch the bus from Walney to Keswick. We got there at 5.30am just after the elite runners had set off. The queue for the loo’s took 25 minutes, so I started at 5.58am. There were well over 3000 people registere…


Loweswater, Darling Fell and Low Fell

7th May 2013

Yesterday I left home at 7.20am in order to get to Loweswater early enough to get the reflections on the water. I would walk around the lake and then head up the track towards Mosser and do the steep climb up to Darling fell, then on to Low Fell. the…


A Circuit of Thirlmere and Raven Crag

3rd May 2013

Yesterday I decided to make the most of another good weather day and walk around Thirlmere. I would also include a walk up to Raven Crag. A Central Fell Wainwright (1512ft). A walk of about 13 miles. The route along the west side of Thirlmere makes u…


A Bassenthwaite Circuit

30th April 2013

Yesterday Ged and I did a circuit of Bassenthwaite Lake. A distance of about 17 miles. Kas stayed at home as he would have needed to spend too much time on the lead. Another good, easy but long walk for a nice sunny day. It was not particularly warm,…


Lowick to North Scale

26th April 2013

This morning I got Brendan to drop me off at The Red Lion Inn at Lowick at 9am. I will be walking back home following the K2B route. The pub is at the 26 mile marker, so 14 miles to the finish plus nearly 4 miles to walk back home. A fun filled 18 mi…


Walney Island: South End to North End

23rd April 2013

This morning was sunny but very windy. Gales were forecast for the hills, so I got Brendan to drop me off at the South Walney Nature Reserve from where I would walk back home. A walk of just under 8 miles. Brendan has pulled out of this year’s…


Catbells and around Derwent Water

20th April 2013

This is the walk I was going to do on Monday, but after listening to the 6.30am Fell Forecast of rain and gales, I went back to sleep! Not today though! The weather is even better than forecast so I change my original idea of walking Catbell’s…


Beacon Tarn and Fell

17th April 2013

On Monday Ged, Kas and I took another short walk from Blawith Common up to, and around Beacon Tarn, to Beacon Fell and back. The forecast was for gales and low cloud, so there was little point in venturing out too far. Another good walk for a unpredi…


Top o’ Selside via Low Parkamoor

10th April 2013

Yesterday, Ged, Kas and I drove to Dodgson Wood on the east side of Coniston for a short walk up to the Top o’Selside (1099ft), via a stop off at Low Parkamoor. Top o’Selside is the highest fell on Coniston’s east side. Basically it…


Dollywaggon Pike to Raise in Snow on a Beautiful Blue Sky Day!

3rd April 2013

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I decided to walk from Dollywaggon Pike to Raise using two cars. One parked at the start of St. John’s in the Vale and one on Dunmail Raise. We would walk up Raise Beck to Grisedale Tarn, then take the zig zags up Dollywa…


Circuit of Haweswater

1st April 2013

On Easter Sunday Brendan and I drove to Burnbanks to walk around Haweswater. A walk of 10.2 miles. It has been on my list of walks to do for a while. The only downside to today’s walk was the clocks going forward. I usually get up at 6.30am on…


North Walney Peninsular Walk 2013

30th March 2013

Good Friday afternoon started off sunny so I decided to take a walk around the north end peninsula of Walney Island. A walk I can do from home. Brendan was working, and Tom, home from Uni, has become surgically attached to his Xbox, so I went by myse…


Brock Barrow and Arnsbarrow Hill in snow

26th March 2013

The wind is still very strong, so yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to High Nibthwaite on the east side of Coniston Water to wander around some of the lower outlying fells. The walk took less than three hours and was around 4 miles in distance. A very c…


High Rigg and St. John’s in the Vale

21st March 2013

This morning Ged, Kas and I drove to Bridge End, to walk over High Rigg (1163ft) to St. John’s in the Vale Church, then over Low Rigg to Tewet Tarn and Castlerigg Stone Circle, then back via the footpath beneath High Rigg.  A walk of nine miles…


Baycliff and Birkrigg

17th March 2013

Today Brendan and I took a walk around Baycliff. A repeat of one of Paul’s walks from the summer. The weather was not as good! A good little walk, under two hours long, roughly three miles. Jo. …


Blea Tarn, Side Pike, Greenburn Mine and Cathedral Quarry

12th March 2013

Yesterday’s forecast was for strong winds on the high fells so I took the opportunity to do a lower level walk I had been planning to do for some time. I had never visited Greenburn Mine, having only looked down on it from the ridges above, on…


Fairfield Horseshoe

5th March 2013

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I walked the Fairfield Horseshoe.The summits would include Nab Scar (1450ft), Heron Pike (2003ft), Great Rigg (2513ft), Fairfield (2863ft), Hart Crag (2698ft), Dove Crag (2603ft), High Pike (2155ft) and Low Pike (1666ft). A wal…


South Walney Nature Reserve 2013

4th March 2013

The weather was very still yesterday. Something quite rare for the island, so Brendan and I went down to the south end nature reserve for a walk. The Reserve is free to residents. A good, easy 3 mile walk for a warm day. Jo. …


Grisedale Pike, Grasmoor and Crag Hill from Revelin Moss

27th February 2013

Ged, Kas and I were going to try two new routes up and down Grisedale Pike from Revelin Moss on the Whinlatter Pass. We would ascend via the north east ridge and descend over Hobcarton. I had brought along a guidebook to help us negotiate the numerou…


Cunswick Scar and Scout Scar from Kendal 2013

23rd February 2013

Brendan had a meeting in Kendal yesterday that would last over four hours. So I went with him and walked the route over Cunswick Scar and Scout Scar. A walk of seven and a half miles, but very easy, and far less boring than yet another session in the…


High Nook Tarn, Knock Murton, Blake Fell and Carling Knott

18th February 2013

Yesterday I drove to Maggie’s Bridge car park at Loweswater with Ged and Kas for a walk up to High Nook Tarn then over the Blake Fell ridge and down to Knock Murton and Cogra Moss. Then back up to Blake Fell again, on to Carling Knott and down…


Low Tarn, Red Pike, Scoat Fell, Steeple and Scoat Tarn in Snow

12th February 2013

As it was half term I chose a walk that was mostly off path. I wanted to visit Low Tarn and Scoat Tarn, as I have only ever looked down on them from above. We could also incorporate Red Pike (2707ft), Scoat Fell (2760ft) and Steeple (2687ft) in our p…


Helm Crag

8th February 2013

On Thursday Brendan and I drove to Grasmere to climb Helm Crag. There was still snow on the tops. A good little walk of about five and a half miles. The walk took about four hours. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the village. Jo….


High Dam and Finsthwaite

8th February 2013

Yesterday afternoon, to make the most of the sunshine, Ged, Kas and I drove to Finsthwaite to walk up to High Dam. Another good little walk. It took a couple of hours. …


An afternoon on Gummers How

7th February 2013

Last week I had my third Pulmonary Vein Isolation op at Blackpool Victoria Hospital and have been stuck indoors for a week with a DVD boxed set of 7 series of “Criminal Minds”. I`ve got to season six! I feel I’m now a fully trained…


Tarn Hows and Black Fell

26th January 2013

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to the lay-by at Yew Tree Tarn for a walk up Black Fell (1056ft) via Tom Gill and Tarn Hows. The road here is on a bus route so was clear of ice. We made a late start as the weather was due to get better after lunch. A…


Helvellyn in Snow from Swirls

16th January 2013

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to the free lay-by below Swirls to climb Helvellyn Lower Man and Helvellyn (3118ft) via Browncove Crags. We would then come back via Wythburn and the forest track. A walk of 7 miles. I wanted to make the most of my day…


Christmas, New Year And The Storms 2013/14

13th January 2013

A few photos taken over the Christmas period 2013/14. Let us hope for a peaceful, non stormy new year! Jo.   …


Walla Crag

12th January 2013

The last few weeks have been awful weather wise, so there has been no opportunities for walking. I went back to work on Wednesday,just as the weather changed and brought us three days of thermal inversions (mountain tops in blue skies above the cloud…


Dalton Crags, Boxing Day 2012

26th December 2012

For our annual Boxing Day family and friends walk, we all met up at Hutton Roof Crags Quarry car park, near Burton in Kendal, to climb Dalton Crags. An excellent, little two hour walk to work off the calories of Christmas Day! (Calories all put back…


Deepdale and St. Sunday Crag In Snow

5th December 2012

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to the parking spaces by the telephone box at Bridgend to walk the length of Deepdale on to St. Sunday Crag (2756ft), then on to Birks (2040ft) and Arnison Crag (1424ft). A walk of about nine miles. There is a lack of p…


Glencoyne and Hart Side

28th November 2012

Yesterday Brendan was off to Carlisle for a meeting, so he dropped me at Glencoyne at 8.45am and would pick me up from Dockray at 3pm. I had thought of doing some or all of the Dodds. I had lots of options for getting to Dockray. The southern fells h…


Walney Island Sunsets

27th November 2012

Some sunsets from West Shore and North Walney Beach. …


A New Book, Two Dogs and a Railway Walk

10th November 2012

On Saturday Brendan and I went to Keswick, parking near Portinscale Bridge. Good views out to Grisedale Pike, Barrow and Outerside etc. It was starting to get dark as we walked back to the car. Still got home in time for “Strictly”. Jo. S…


Coniston Old Man to Dow Crag in Snow

5th November 2012

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to Torver to climb Coniston Old Man and Dow Crag. A walk of about eight miles. Blue skies and sunshine…….and snow on the tops! What could be better? An excellent walk in the snow! The walk took us under seve…


Ladyside Pike to Dodd

26th October 2012

The weather was forecast to be very cold (down to -6 on the summits), but with good visibility, clear blue skies but a strong wind of 45mph. We decided to drive to Hopebeck to climb Ladyside Pike up to Hopegill Head and along the ridge to Whiteside a…


Latterbarrow and Around

25th October 2012

On Tuesday the weather was cloudy but very warm so Ged and I decided to walk up Latterbarrow. A good little walk for an afternoon. Nothing strenuous, just an amble! The walk was just under five miles. The weather is due to change on Friday. There is…


Easedale Tarn, Codale Tarn and Tarn Crag

19th October 2012

On Friday Brendan and I drove to Grasmere to walk up to Easedale Tarn, then up to Codale Tarn, climb up to Tarn Crag (1801ft) and walk back along the ridge. It didn`t work out quite as planned! Our walk with detour was about 8.5 miles. The original w…


Glaramara via Combe Gill

9th October 2012

Four whole days of blue skies and sunshine! Brendan and I decided to climb Glaramara (2560ft) as the route up would give excellent panoramic views. Hopefully the sunshine would have dried up all the boggy ground! I decided on the interesting route vi…


A Walk Around Valencia

17th September 2012

Next stop was Valencia. Time constraints meant that we were unable to spend time inside any of these buildings. You would need at least a day for each of them anyway! But at least we know where to come the next time we are here! We headed back to the…


A Walk Around Cartagena

16th September 2012

After looking at Google Earth I realised that the journey into Cartagena would be an interesting one, as the bay is surrounded by mountains.   Cartegena got less than two sides in The Rough Guide to Spain. I thought it an excellent place to visi…


A Walk Around Malaga

15th September 2012

Next stop is Malaga in Andalucia. Another interesting day! Jo….


A Walk Around Gibraltar

14th September 2012

Gibraltar has its very own micro-climate, and unfortunately its British! Whilst nearby Spain was in sunshine The Rock was shrouded in cloud. A bit of a home from home! I have always wanted to visit Gibraltar, my grandfather worked here for the MOD in…


A Walk Around Tangier

13th September 2012

This particular cruise included a few places we had never been before, plus we could explore every destination on foot. Next stop Gibraltar! …


Great Gable via Beck Head

5th September 2012

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I went to Wasdale Head to climb Great Gable (2949ft) which we last climbed two years ago in snow. This time we would take the Moses Trod path up to Beck Head then ascend the rocky ridge to the summit. We have been waiting for a…


Great Crag, Watendlath & Grange Fell from Stonethwaite

31st August 2012

On Thursday Ged, Kas and I drove to Stonethwaite to climb Great Crag (1500ft) and Grange Fell (1345ft). We would also visit Dock Tarn and Watendlath. We parked along the road leading to Stonethwaite. A good little walk of about 6 miles. It took five…


Angletarn Pikes and Beda Fell to Martindale

28th August 2012

On Tuesday Ged, Kas and I drove to Patterdale in order to climb Angletarn Pikes (1857ft) and Beda Fell (1664ft). Then to descend into Martindale to the old church, and walk back to Patterdale via the lakeside path. The weather was forecast as 50mph g…


Middle Fell, Seatallan and Buckbarrow and a Legend

25th August 2012

Yesterday Brendan and I went to Greendale to climb Middle Fell (1908ft), Seatallan (2266ft) and Buckbarrow (1410ft). A walk of 6 miles. The mountain forecast was for cloud but with panoramic views and 0% chance of rain, the weather was due to improve…


Blencathra via Hall’s Fell

8th August 2012

On Wednesday Brendan, Ged, Kas and I went to Threlkeld to climb Blencathra (2847ft) via the Hall’s Fell ridge. A walk of about six miles. An excellent walk! Jo….


A walk Around Derwent Water

27th July 2012

On Saturday Brendan, Ness and I drove to Portinscale to do the 9 mile walk around Derwent Water. It is longer than Ennerdale but a lot easier, with places to stop and the shops of Keswick at the end. We stopped for a late pub lunch and a bit of shopp…


A walk Around Ennerdale Water

25th July 2012

My sister was still staying with us so along with Ged and blind Kas we decided to do the easy walk around Ennerdale Water. A walk of 7.2 miles. With the small hill of Angler’s Crag to give a bit of elevation and good view down the lake. We star…


Buttermere Round and a bit of Crummock Water

23rd July 2012

My sister Vanessa is staying with us for a week so on Saturday Brendan and I took her to Buttermere to walk around the lake. A walk of under 5 miles. We got to Buttermere at 9am to guarantee a free car parking space on the hill. On the way home we st…


Barrow to Causey Pike

12th July 2012

Yesterday Ged, Kas and me drove to Braithwaite to climb Barrow (1494ft), Stile End, Outerside (1863ft), Scar Crags (2205ft) and Causey Pike (2089ft). A walk of about eight miles. We had a cold drink in the Royal Oak, then not to play favourites, we w…


A Tarn, A Burial Ground, A Monument and Two Churches

11th July 2012

This afternoon the weather was too good to stay in. Brendan and I went to Birkrigg via Great Urswick. A good little mooch about on a sunny afternoon. Jo….


High Dam, Finsthwaite and Lakeside

30th June 2012

My boots were leaking. They were only eight months old. So I took them back to the shop and they gave me a new pair! So I need a few short walks to walk the new ones in. On Sunday afternoon Brendan and I drove to Finsthwaite, parking at the High Dam…


Baycliff Walk

25th June 2012

On Sunday afternoon Brendan and I took a walk around Baycliffe, a circuit walk sent to me by Paul Bryden, based on a smartphone app which guides you round. http://www.geovative.com/GeoTours/tourView.asp?6174Vq=EEMDJ He said that when you arrive at th…


Scafell Pike from Seathwaite

19th June 2012

On Tuesday myself, Ged and Kas drove to Seathwaite to follow the route up Grains Gill to Esk Hause and then on to Great End (2984ft), Ill Crag (3068ft), Broad Crag (3051ft) and Scafell Pike (3210ft). Then down to Lingmell Coll following the Corridor…


Gummers How and Cartmel Fell with Tom

18th June 2012

I was back early from work on Monday and the weather was too good to waste. So I dragged Tom out of bed in order for us to walk up Gummers How then over to Cartmel Fell, down to St. Anthony’s in the valley then along the quiet county road to Th…


Steeple from Ennerdale

2nd June 2012

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to Ennerdale to climb Steeple (2687ft), Scoat Fell (2766ft), Haycock (2618ft) Caw (2287ft), Iron Crag (2100ft) and Crag Fell (1716ft). A walk of 14 miles. The living legend, Joss Naylor, now aged 76, is running the Wasd…


Swindale to Mosedale via Selside Pike and Branstree

28th May 2012

Last week was the best weather we would have all year and I had to spend it all inside in the exam hall! Grrrrr!!!!! But on Monday I actually had a day off so Ged, Kas and I drove to Swindale. Swindale is an isolated valley to the east of the Haweswa…


Loughrigg Fell, Lily Tarn and Rydal Hall

16th May 2012

Today I drove to Rydal for a walk up Loughrigg Fell (1099ft) and over to Lily Tarn, parking on the road by the church. I would then descend to Ambleside for a coffee and walk back through Rydal Park to Rydal Hall. A walk of about 7 miles depending on…


A Circuit of Crummock Water, Rannerdale Bluebells and a walk up Rannerdale Knotts

5th May 2012

Yesterday Brendan and I drove to Buttermere, parking on the road down to the church. We were planning to do a circuit of Crummock Water, detouring to Scale Force Waterfall, The Kirkstile Inn, through the Rannerdale bluebells and up and over Rannerdal…


Warnscale Bothy and Haystacks

3rd May 2012

Yesterday was going to be an excellent day so Ged, Kas and I drove to Gatesgarth near Buttermere to climb Haystacks (1958ft) via Warnscale Bothy. A short walk of just five and a quarter miles. We got an ice cream at the farm and then walked back to t…


Elterwater and Skelwith Bridge

30th April 2012

Yesterday was due to be a warm, sunny day, but windy so I drove to Walthwaite bottom parking in the free car park just north of Elterwater Village. As it was forecast to be 50mph gusts on the fell tops I opted for a low level walk. I had only been ov…


Coniston to Barrow Walk

22nd April 2012

Yesterday Brendan and I did the Coniston to Barrow walk, a mere 23 miles! It is the last 22 miles of the infamous 40 mile Keswick to Barrow Walk. It would be a good training session and route familiariser. We caught the bus to Ulverston and then on t…


A Long Walk Around Skiddaw

15th April 2012

On Sunday Brendan and I drove to Dodd Wood, parking on the free car parking spaces on the road just outside Mirehouse in order to start a 19 mile circuit of Skiddaw. We would include Latrigg (1203ft). The 19 mile walk had taken eight hours and 15 min…


Lingmoor Fell and Blea Tarn from Elterwater

12th April 2012

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to Elterwater to climb Lingmoor (1540ft) and Side Pike and to return to Elterwater via Blea Tarn, The Wrynose Pass and Slater Bridge. A walk of just under 10 miles. We then headed back to Elterwater stopping for a coffe…


A long walk in Ennerdale

5th April 2012

Yesterday Brendan and I drove to Ennerdale, parking at Bleach Green in order to walk around the lake and on to Black Sail Hut at the head of the Ennerdale Valley, taking a different path there and back. A walk of 16 miles. All good training for Brend…


A Walk to the North End of Walney Island

31st March 2012

Yesterday afternoon turned out to be sunny, so Brendan and I took a walk from our house alongside the airfield down to the beach, through the Nature Reserve and salt marshes, and down to the tip of the north of the island to look over at The Black Hu…


Ullock Pike to Skiddaw via The Watches

28th March 2012

Yesterday was due to be the last good day before the cloud and winds arrived on the hills, so I set out alone to climb the northern fells of Ullock Pike (2230ft), Long Side Edge (2405ft), Carl Side (2420ft) and Skiddaw (3053ft). I usually climb them…


Four Fells from Longsleddale

26th March 2012

The weather was really hot this weekend, but still very hazy so I decided to do some gardening instead of walking and save the walking for Monday when the visibility should be better. Monday turned out to be a hot, cloud-free blue sky day so Ged, Kas…


A Hazy Day on the Langdale Pikes

23rd March 2012

On Friday Ged, Kas and I went to Great Langdale to do a circular walk to include the five Wainwright`s of Harrison Stickle (2403ft), Pavey Ark (2288ft), Thunacar Knotts (2351ft), Pike o`Stickle (2323ft) and Loft Crag (2270ft)…


Eskdale Green, Illgill Head and down Miterdale

19th March 2012

On Sunday Brendan and I went to Eskdale Green to climb Irton Fell, Whin Rigg (1755ft) and Illgill Head (1998ft). These are the fells that make up the top of the Wasdale Screes. We then went down to Burnmoor Tarn and walked back through Miterdale. A w…


Helvellyn in Blue Skies then Mist

15th March 2012

The Fell Assessor has reported cloud inversions and Brocken Spectres on Helvellyn each day this week http://www.lakedistrictweatherline.co.uk This is the weather forecast I always use, so as today was forecast to be a similar day I drove to Swirls to…


Far Sawrey, Claife Heights and Wray Castle

15th February 2012

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to Far Sawrey in order to visit Three Dubs Tarn and High Blind How (886ft), both of which we did not have time to explore on the last occasion we were at Claife Heights. We would then head up on the high forest track to…


Alcock Tarn, Rydal Water and Grasmere

14th February 2012

Yesterday Brendan and I went to Ambleside to do some shopping in the morning and then drove to Grasmere to walk up to Alcock Tarn and around Rydal Water and Grasmere in the afternoon. The forecast was for rain in the morning and gales on the fells, s…


Wansfell Pike in Snow

8th February 2012

On Wednesday I drove to Troutbeck, parking on the roadside on the left of the church, in order to walk over to Ambleside to do some shopping. I would then return to Troutbeck over Wansfell (1579ft) and Wansfell Pike (1581ft). A walk of seven and a qu…


Catbells Above The Clouds And A Walk Around Derwent Water

6th February 2012

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to Portinscale to climb Catbells (1481ft) and then to walk around Derwent water, it is about 10 miles. The idea was to do it in snow, but we picked the only area in the lakes that did not have any! We had detoured throu…


Coniston Round in Snow

1st February 2012

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to Coniston to climb Wetherlam (2499ft), Black Sails (2444ft), Swirl How (2630ft), Great Carrs (2558ft), Brim Fell (2611ft), and Coniston Old Man (2633ft). A walk of just over 10 miles. We parked up the top of the road…


Mount Snowdon

19th January 2012

On Tuesday morning after an early breakfast we headed for Llanberis to climb Mount Snowdon (3560ft) via the Llanberis path, a walk of nine miles. On the way we stopped at Llyn Gwynant to take some photos across the lake. It was very still, but the mi…


Helvellyn on Friday 13th

13th January 2012

Yesterday was due to be another blue sky day, so Ged and I drove to the lay-by at Swirls to climb Helvellyn (3118ft) via Brown Cove Crags then down to Wythburn and back through the woods. A walk of about 7 miles. Unfortunately even the lay-by now has…


Warton Crags, Boxing Day 2011

26th December 2011

It is that time of the year again! An excellent day! …


High St. and Mardale Ill Bell via Riggindale in Snow

18th December 2011

Finally a weather window to do some walking in the snow! Sunshine was forecast in the eastern fells and with windspeeds of only 30mph and gusts of 45mph, a walk today looked a good bet! It is back to gales for the rest of the week. So today Brendan a…


Cunswick Scar and Scout Scar from Kendal 2011

1st December 2011

At gone 10pm last night Brendan mentioned that he was going to Kendal Town Hall for a meeting in the morning, so I decided to go with him and do the Scout Car Walk on page 2 of Wainwrights Outlying Fells Book which starts from the Town Hall. It is a…


Sunset on Gummers How

22nd November 2011

The weather this morning was poor so I spent the the morning at the gym and Tesco. The weather had improved significantly by lunchtime so I decided to do a walk up Gummers How and catch the sunset. I picked Brendan up from the Town Hall just before t…


Claife Heights and Latterbarrow

18th November 2011

I have only had one day off this week so on Tuesday Ged, Kas and I went to Near Sawrey, parking in a lay-by just down the road from Beatrix Potter`s house “Hill Top”. We walked back to the village and up the lane that leads on to Claiffe…


Orrest Head

10th November 2011

Brendan was having lunch with his former boss at the Watermill at Ings so I drove him there and then parked at Windermere Station in order to climb up Orrest Head, Wainwright`s first ever fell. First I nipped into Booths to buy my lunch………


Great Borne to Red Pike from Ennerdale

7th November 2011

Today I wanted a long, quiet walk in blue skies and sunshine so I went to Ennerdale to climb Great Borne (2019ft), Starling Dodd (2085ft) and Red Pike (2479ft). A repeat of the walk I did a year ago in mist and saw nothing! No mist today! First I had…


A circuit of Derwent Water

29th October 2011

Finally were were forecast a day of sunshine and blue skies. So yesterday Tom and I drove to keswick to do the circuit of Derwent Water, a walk of about nine miles. We parked on the dead-end road next to Portinscale suspension bridge, plenty of free…


Castle Crag and Millican Dalton’s Cave

27th October 2011

It is half term week so on Tuesday we all went to Grange to climb Castle Crag. Brendan and Tom had never done this walk before. I had bought some new walking boots a couple of weeks previously and this was an ideal multi-terrain short walk to try the…


Pilgrimage Walk from Kilgarvan to Gougane Barra

25th September 2011

Brendan and I flew to Cork in Ireland last Friday to take part in the annual Gougane Sunday Pilgrimage Walk from Kilgarvan in County Kerry across the mountains to Gougane Barra in County Cork, then to the St Finbarr’s church on the lake for a M…


Fairfield Horseshoe in Sunshine

15th September 2011

Yesterday was the good day we have been waiting for since the beginning of “the summer”. The recent weather here has been awful, floods and gales. We decided on the Fairfield Horseshoe from Rydal. We did this last year in a blizzard and m…


Ashness Bridge to Watendlath via Four Fells and Purple Heather

31st August 2011

Yesteday Brendan and I went to Ashness Bridge to climb Walla Crag (1234ft), Bleaberry Fell (1932ft), High Seat (1995ft) and High Tove (1665ft) descend down to Watendlath for coffee and cake then to follow the valley trail back to Ashness Bridge. A wa…


Yew Crag Mine, Dale Head and Hindscarth

15th August 2011

Like most days of late it was pouring with rain when I left home at 7.30am to pick up Ged and Kas. It had been so wet recently that even this weekend`s annual ChilliFest at Levens Hall was cancelled. Radio Cumbria`s 6.30am Fell Forecast said that it…


Wet Sleddale, Seat Robert and Mosedale Cottage

3rd August 2011

On Wednesday Ged, Kas and I drove to Wet Sleddale Reservoir near Shap to climb Seat Robert (1675ft) and to visit Sleddale Hall and Mosedale Cottage and come back again, a walk of about nine miles. The walk had taken about six and a half hours. An int…


Whiteside to Whiteless Pike

30th July 2011

Last Saturday Brendan and I walked from Lanthwaite Green near Crummock Water climbing up to Whiteside (2359ft), Hopegill Head (2525ft), Grasmoor (2795ft), Crag Hill (Eel Crag) (2749ft), Wandope (2533ft) and Whiteless Pike (2165ft). A walk of 11 miles…


Gap of Dunloe and Purple Mountain, Ireland.

12th July 2011

The weather was perfect today so we headed off early via Moll`s Gap and the Lakes of Killarney to walk the Gap of Dunloe up to Purple Mountain (2730ft), over An Chathair and Tomies Mountain and back to Kate Kearney`s Cottage. A circular walk of about…


Croaghmore on Great Blasket, Ireland

10th July 2011

After an Irish Breakfast at the B&B we headed along the Dingle coast line to Dunquin and the small ferry boat over to Great Blasket, to climb Croaghmore on the largest of the Blasket Islands. Great Blasket was once inhabited by a Gaelic-speaking…


Mount Brandon, Ireland

7th July 2011

We drove to the Dingle Peninsula to climb Mount Brandon (3127ft), the highest mountain in Ireland outside of the Macgillycuddy Reeks. Named after St. Brendan. We took the Pilgrimage route called the Saint`s Road which goes up from the west. Brendan h…


Second Completion of the 214 Wainwright’s

5th June 2011

On Friday Ged, Kas and I drove to Wasdale to climb Lingmell (2649ft), Scafell Pike (3210ft), Scafell (3162ft) and Slight Side (2499ft). A walk of ten miles. Back in January 2009 I decided to have a go at completing all the Wainwright Fells in a year….


Bowfell and four more fells from Langdale

31st May 2011

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to Great Langdale to climb Bowfell (2960ft), Esk Pike (2903ft), Great End (2984ft), Seathwaite Fell (2073ft) and Rossett Pike (2132ft). A walk of about 15 miles over very rough terrain that would eventually take us near…


Castle Crag

11th May 2011

Yesterday morning Ged, Kas and I drove to Grange to climb Castle Crag, the smallest Wainwright at just under 1000ft. We had been here a couple of months ago investigating Millican Dalton`s cave, but never had the time to take in the summit due to the…


Steel Fell to Helm Crag

9th May 2011

Today Ged, Kas and I drove to Grasmere to climb Steel Fell (1811ft), Calf Crag (1762ft), Gibson Knott (1379ft) and Helm Crag (1299ft). It is a circular walk that follows the ridges of the Greenburn Valley. About 7.5 miles. I parked in a lay-by on the…


Eagle Crag and Sergeant’s Crag

5th May 2011

Yesterday afternoon after climbing Castle Crag we drove to Stonethwaite to climb Eagle Crag (1709ft), and Sergeant`s Crag (1873ft) returning down Greenup Gill. A walk of five and a half miles. A happy ending for our walk! The five and a half miles ha…


Hard Knott, Harter Fell and Green Crag

3rd May 2011

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to the top of the Hard Knott Pass to climb Hard Knott (1803ft), Harter Fell (2140ft) and Green Crag (1602ft). A walk of nine miles. It was a blue sky day, but rather windy! The water was very low, but still plenty of Br…


Carrock Fell and High Pike

2nd May 2011

This morning I drove to Mosedale to climb Carrock Fell (2174ft) and High Pike (2157ft). Only a six and a half mile walk that I could do in about three hours. I set off from home at 6.45am and was walking by 8.15am, early enough to have avoided all th…


Rosthwaite Fell to Allen Crags from Stonethwaite

28th April 2011

Ged was back from Vietnam so yesterday we went to Stonethwaite to climb Rosthwaite Fell (1771ft), Glaramara (2568ft) and Allen Crags (2572ft) returning via the Langstrath Valley. A very arduous and long walk  of 12 miles that would take us 9 hours to…


Walney Island to Piel Island

24th April 2011

So far in April I have climbed 21 fells and walked 60 miles. Today I was going to do something a bit more sedate for Easter Sunday. Brendan and I joined John Murphy`s walk from Snab Point on Walney Island (where I live) to neighbouring Piel Island. J…


Beda Fell and Place Fell from Martindale

21st April 2011

Yesterday I set off at 6.50am and drove to St. Peter’s Church in Martindale to climb Beda Fell (1670ft) and Place Fell (2154ft). It has been three years since I climbed these fells. There are a few unusual stone wall stiles to cross then the pa…


Four Fells from the Old Corpse Road

19th April 2011

Yesterday morning I set off at 7am for Haweswater and the start of the Old Corpse Road, where the dead of Mardale made their final journey across the fells via Swindale to Shap to be buried. The walk would include Selside Pike (2149ft), Branstree (23…


Grisedale Pike, Great Calva and St. Bega’s Church

18th April 2011

Yesterday I left home at 6.50am to drive to Braithwaite in order to walk up Grisedale Pike (2593ft). A walk of six miles. Then to do two more walks after that.I started walking at 8.20am from the car park at the start of the Whinlatter pass where the…


Six Eastern Martindale Fells from St. Peter’s Church

9th April 2011

On Saturday morning I left home at 7.10am to drive to the other side of Ullswater, parking at St. Peter`s Church Martindale, in order to climb Steel Knotts (1414ft),  Wether Hill (2210ft), Loadpot Hill (2201ft), Arthur`s Pike (1747ft), Bonscale Pike…


Sour Hows to Troutbeck Tongue

7th April 2011

On my day off on Thursday I went to Troutbeck to walk up Sour Howes (1585ft), Sallows (1691ft) and Troutbeck Tongue (1191ft). I parked off the road just before the church. I did get a call at 7.30am to ask me to take Dr. Acton`s science classes, but…


Four Walks, Six Fells and a Puncture

3rd April 2011

Yesterday I decided to climb a few odd fells in four distinct small walks. The rest of this week was due to be windy so Sunday seemed to be the best day. I set off at 7.15 am and had completed Latrigg (1203ft) before 9am. I had meant to do this fell…


Harrop Tarn, Ullscarf and Armboth Fell

25th March 2011

I had been waiting for a sunny day to do the walk to Harrop Tarn from Dobgill car park on the shores of Thirlmere. We would then head on up to Ullscarf (2381ft) and make our way via Blea Tarn over boggy, uneven ground to Armboth Fell (1570ft), then h…


Holme Fell and a Toad Orgy

24th March 2011

This morning the weather was too good to stay home, so I drove to Hodge Close for a quick walk up Holme Fell (1040ft). A good little walk, only two miles, plus the detours to the quarry and tarn. I was back home for lunch! Jo….


High Rigg and The Dodds

22nd March 2011

Time for a big walk around the St. John’s in the Vale skyline to include High Rigg (1163ft), Threlkeld Knotts, Clough Head (2381ft), Great Dodd (2807ft), Watsons Dodd (2584ft) and Stybarrow Dodd (2770ft) returning down The Sticks Pass to Stanah…


Dollywaggon Pike to Helvellyn in Sunshine and Snow

14th March 2011

Yesterday was forecast to be an excellent day for walking so Ged, Kas and I decided to walk up Raise Beck Cascades to Grisedale Tarn. From there we would go to Dollywaggon Pike summit (2810ft) and via the ridges to High Crag (2900ft), Nethermost Pike…


Stone Arthur, Great Rigg and Heron Pike (Greenhead Gill Round)

8th March 2011

I was working yesterday morning, but I knew the weather was going to turn very windy with hill fog for my day off on Thursday, so in the afternoon Ged, Kas and I went to Grasmere to do the Greenhead Gill Round (under six miles).This includes Stone Ar…


Great Crag and Grange Fell via Watendlath and Grange

1st March 2011

Due to the recent run of poor weather, it has been nearly two weeks since our last major walk. The weather today was forecast as cloudy with good visibility, no wind and sunshine later in the day, so Ged Kas and I headed for Stonethwaite in Borrowdal…


Sunkenkirk Stone Circle

28th February 2011

Last year I bought a book on Stone Circles in the Lake District, but still never got around to visiting the more out of the way ones. This week I watched Neil Oliver`s (the long-haired Scot from “Coast”) TV series “History of Ancien…


Gowbarrow Fell, Great Mell Fell and Little Mell Fell

16th February 2011

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to the Aira Force National Trust car park on the shores of Ullswater to climb Gowbarrow (1579ft). An easy walk of four miles. We did this walk almost two years ago to the day. Ged didn`t remember the route at all at. He…


The Cliff Path from St. Bees to Whitehaven

7th February 2011

Today I took the train up the coast to St. Bees to walk the cliff path over St. Bees Head to Whitehaven, a walk of just over seven miles. I made time for a coffee in a cafe then had a look around the shops. I spent half an hour in Michael Moon’…


High Stile and High Crag to Black Sail Hut from Ennerdale

28th January 2011

Yesterday was forecast to be the best day of the week, so I drove to Ennerdale with Ged and Kas in tow to do an ends of the earth walk (and back!) to Black Sail Hut via a couple of mountains. Black Sail Hut is the most remote Youth Hostel in the coun…


Four Fells Above Easedale

19th January 2011

On Wednesday Ged, Kas and I went to Grasmere for the 10 mile walk around Easedale, taking in Blea Rigg (1776ft), Sergeant Man (2394ft), High Raise (2500ft) and Tarn Crag (1801ft). The walk took six hours and forty five minutes. A good day, not too mu…


Silver How and Loughrigg Fell

2nd January 2011

Yesterday Brendan and I went to Grasmere to climb Silver How (1292ft) and Loughrigg Fell (1101ft). It was supposed to be a nice day, but it was very dull but with good visibility. We parked in the lay-by outside Grasmere and took the footpath opposit…


Seven Snowy Summits from Hartsop

1st January 2011

On Tuesday Ged, Kas and I drove to Hartsop walking up via Hayeswater Gill to Hayeswater then climbing The Knott (2423ft), Kidsty Pike (2560ft), High Raise (2634ft), Rampsgill Head (2581ft), Rest Dodd (2278ft), The Nab (1887ft) and down via Brock Crag…


Boxing Day Walk in Arnside 2010

27th December 2010

As Boxing Day was a Sunday, the annual family and friends Christmas Walk was held on the Monday this year. The meeting place was Arnside Pier at 12.30pm. The destination undecided! The weather was misty, wet and cold and the ground was covered in ice…


Walney Beach Walk at Sunset with Snow

19th December 2010

Just before Christmas Tom and I took a short walk from our house down the lane to the beach, at sunset. View out to the back garden and mountains, the snow is quite deep still. Just a half hour walk blows all the cobwebs away! Jo.  …


Black Crag with Blue Skies and Snow!

8th December 2010

All the schools were shut again yesterday and as it was a blue sky day Ged and I were determined to go somewhere. Especially since due to the weather it had been over a week since our last fell walk. Finding somewhere with access to park would be the…


Hen Comb to Burnbank Fell

26th November 2010

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I drove to Loweswater to climb Hen Comb (1661ft), Gavel Fell (1720ft), Blake Fell (1978ft) and Burnbank Fell (1580ft), a round trip of just under nine miles. As this route is generally very boggy underfoot we were waiting for a…


Coniston Old Man to Dow Crag with Brendan

24th November 2010

Yesterday Brendan and I went to Coniston, parking at the Fell Gate Car Park to climb Coniston Old Man (2633ft), Brim Fell (2611ft), Dow Crag (2555ft), Buck Pike (2441ft) and Brown Pike (2237ft) returning via the Walna Scar Road. A walk of about six a…


Skiddaw in Snow

10th November 2010

Snow had fallen on the higher fells on Monday night, so on Wednesday I drove to the Latrigg car park with Ged and Kas to climb Lonscale (2344ft), Skiddaw Little Man (2837ft), Skiddaw (3053ft) and Bakestall (2208ft) returning on the Cumbria Way track …


Mosedale Horseshoe plus Haycock and caw

25th October 2010

On Sunday I drove to Wasdale Head to climb Pillar (2927ft), Scoat Fell (2760ft), Steeple (2687ft), then a four mile detour to take in Haycock (2618ft) and Caw (1735ft), back over Haycock again then finally on to Red Pike (2704ft), then returning by O…


Greystones, Broom Fell, Lord’s Seat, Barf and Whinlatter

20th October 2010

On Wednesday Ged, Kas and I parked at the Spout Force car park (free) to climb Graystones (1496ft), Broom Fell (1670ft), Lord’s Seat (1811ft), Barf (1536ft) and Whinlatter (1722ft). A walk of just over 8 miles and indicated by the red line on t…


Top o’ Selside 2010

16th October 2010

On Saturday afternoon Brendan and I headed for High Nibthwaite parking in the lay-by outside Water Park. A walk of about four and a half miles which took us three hours and twenty minutes. A good little afternoon walk making the most of some good wea…


Red Screes to Caudale Moor

11th October 2010

After last week’s disappointing walk in mist I decided to redo the walk I intended to do then, but starting at the Kirkstone Pass Inn instead of Hartsop. This would include the summits of Red Screes (2541ft), Middle Dodd (2145ft), and a repeat…


Sheffield Pike to White Side

25th September 2010

On Saturday we finally had a good weather day for a walk so Ged, Kas and I went to Glenridding to climb Glenridding Dodd (1425ft), Sheffield Pike (2232ft), via the Miner`s Track round Glencoyne Head to Birkett Fell, Hart Side (2481ft), Stybarrow Dodd…


A Walk on Walney Beach

16th September 2010

Yesterday the sun was finally shining, but it was still very windy so we went for a walk down towards the north end of the Island. A quick walk of just an hour and a quarter to blow the cobwebs away! Jo….


Tim’s 50th Birthday

4th September 2010

Brendan’s brother, Tim had his 50th birthday party last weekend at the L ‘Arche Community in Preston where he lives. Everyone was there! I think Tim enjoyed himself!…


Wild-camping at Bowscale Tarn

25th August 2010

I haven’t done any wild-camping since over-nighting on the summit of Carran in County Kerry over two years ago. Brendan and I haven’t done any together since touring the Outer Hebrides 20 years ago!  Where did all the years go? So on Wedn…


Causey Pike and Five Other Fells on a Blue Sky Day

16th August 2010

Monday was a dream day for walkers. I arrived at Stoneycroft ready to walk for 8.55am. It was blue skies and sunshine, just as predicted, and not another soul around. Brendan and Tom were still in Ireland so it was another solitary walk. I had planne…


Seven Fells From Lanthwaite Green

14th August 2010

Today I decided to do a solitary walk from Lanthwaite Green near Crummock Water climbing up to Whiteside (2359ft), Hopegill Head (2525ft), Grisedale Pike (2593ft), Grasmoor (2795ft), Crag Hill (Eel Crag) (2749ft), Wandope (2533ft) and Whiteless Pike…


Dovedale Horseshoe and the Priest Hole

8th August 2010

We don`t usually bother to go out on Bank Holidays as I hate the traffic and crowds. But we decided to go out early on Monday and have a family walk somewhere quiet. So we did the Dovedale Horseshoe which includes High Hartstop Dodd (1702ft), Little…


Beacon Fell 2010

8th August 2010

Neither of us has been walking for three weeks, me because I`ve been in Cuba and Ged because the weather had been so poor. It looked to be a reasonable afternoon so we met up in Ulverston at 2pm and headed for Beacon Fell and Tarn. We parked opposite…


High St. and Kidsty Pike via Haweswater and Blea Tarn

3rd August 2010

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I went to Haweswater. It was raining and the mist was down but the forecast said it was due to clear. We decided to take the route up to Blea Water and then on to the Long Stile ridge to High Street. We did contemplate going ov…


Bowscale Fell and Bannerdale Crags

12th July 2010

Today Ged, Kas and I went to Mungrisedale to climb Bowscale Fell (2306ft) and Bannerdale Crags (2241ft) via the track to Bowscale Tarn. The walk was 6.75 miles and took four and a half hours….


Pike O’Blisco, Cold Pike and Crinkle Crags

6th July 2010

Yesterday Brendan and I drove to Great Langdale to climb Pike o`Blisco (2312ft), Cold Pike (2299ft) and Crinkle Crags (2816ft). A walk of nine miles. We retired to the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel bar for a coffee and a beer. The walk had taken about six…


Five Langdale Pikes

30th June 2010

Yesterday Tom, Alex (who have now finished their GCSEs) and I went to Great Langdale to do a circular walk to include the five Wainwright`s of Harrison Stickle (2403ft), Pavey Ark (2288ft), Thunacar Knotts (2351ft), Pike o`Stickle (2323ft) and Loft C…


Watendlath Round

21st June 2010

On Tuesday Ged, Kas, Tom and I went to Ashness Bridge to climb Walla Crag (1234ft), Bleaberry Fell (1932ft), High Seat (1995ft) and High Tove (1665ft) descend down to Watendlath and follow the trail down the valley back to Ashness Bridge. A walk of j…


Kentmere Horseshoe

16th June 2010

Yesterday I left home at 6am and drove to Kentmere to do the horseshoe which consists of the 9 summits of Yoke (2316ft), Ill Bell (2484ft), Froswick (2359ft), Thornthwaite Crag (2569ft), High Street (2718ft), Mardale Ill Bell (2496ft), Harter Fell (2…


Full Swindale Round

2nd June 2010

Yesterday I decided that the conditions were ideal to do the Swindale Round. Swindale is an isolated valley to the east of the Haweswater valley (Mardale). In fact Ged had never even heard of it before! The walk would include Selside Pike (2149ft), B…


Swirl How to Grey Friar from the Wrynose Pass

2nd June 2010

On Wednesday Ged, Kas and I went to The Three Shires Stone at the top of the Wrynose Pass to climb Great Carrs (2585ft), Swirl How (2638ft) and Grey Friar (2533ft). The weather was overcast, with mist on the tops but it was due to clear later in the…


Arnison Crag to Seat Sandal from Patterdale

31st May 2010

Yesterday Brendan and I went to Patterdale to climb Arnison Crag (1424ft), Birks (2040ft), St. Sunday Crag (2756ft) and Seat Sandal (2415ft). The walk was about 11 miles long. We arrived at the Patterdale Hotel, where we had a well earned drink, seve…


Helvellyn via Striding Edge and Swirral Edge

24th May 2010

On Monday Brendan, Ged and I went to Glenridding to climb Birkhouse Moor (2350ft) then over Striding Edge to Helvellyn (3118ft), down Swirral Edge and up to Catstycam (2917ft)and back down the valley via Red Tarn and Greenside Road. A walk of over te…


Rannerdale Knotts and the Bluebells

18th May 2010

On Monday morning Ged, Kas and I headed to Rannerdale to look at the bluebells and climb up Rannerdale Knotts (1160ft). An easy walk of 3.75 miles. We parked at Cinderdale car park. An excellent walk for May and took us about two and a half hours. I`…


Blencathra via Sharp Edge

18th May 2010

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I went to Scales to climb Blencathra (2847ft) via the Sharp Edge ridge. I`ve done it twice before by the Halls Fell ridge, but as it was dry and windless we decided that today would be ideal to tackle the infamous Sharp Edge. T…


Mellbreak and the shore of Crummock Water

17th May 2010

After visiting the Rannerdale Bluebells on Monday morning we drove to Loweswater and set off to scale the north face of Mellbreak (1676ft). The walk had taken about three and a half hours and was 5.25 miles. Which made a total of 9 miles for the day….


Eight Uldale Fells

12th May 2010

Yesterday I chauffeured newly elected Labour Councillor Sweeney (formally known as Brendan) to Longlands and parked by the bridge, heading off along Longlands Beck towards Trusmadoor. We had planned to climb Great Cockup (1720ft), Meal Fell (1770ft),…


Base Brown, Green Gable, Brandreth and Grey Knotts from Seathwaite

10th May 2010

On Monday Ged, Kas and I went to Seathwaite to climb Base Brown (2120ft), Green Gable (2603ft), Brandreth (2344ft) and Grey Knotts (2287ft). The last time we did this was in mist so we missed all the views. This time we did the route in reverse as th…


Eskdale Green to Illgill Head

4th May 2010

Today Ged, Kas and I went to Eskdale Green to climb Irton Fell, Whin Rigg (1755ft) and Illgill Head (1998ft). We then went down to Burnmoor Tarn and walked back through Miterdale. A walk of just over 10 miles. A good walk. Not difficult at all. Great…


Harter Fell to Shipman Knotts from Kentmere

29th April 2010

On Thursday Ged, Kas and I went to Kentmere with the intention of doing the Kentmere Horseshoe. Unfortunately the hill fog was down to 200ft and as I`ve already done Yoke, Ill Bell and Froswick in mist I saw no point in doing it again! We decided to…


A Circuit of Ennerdale Water

22nd April 2010

The weather was superb yesterday so I went to Ennerdale to do a solitary circuit of the lake. I could only do a short walk today as I was going to The Forum in the evening to see a presentation by Mark Beaumont who did “Cycling the World”…


Raven Crag and Great How Round

20th April 2010

Yesterday Ged, Kas the dog and I set off for the northern tip of Thirlmere to walk up Raven Crag (1520ft) on the west, and Great How on the east side of the lake. There was hill fog forecast for today so there was no point in going too high.  I parke…


Middle Fell, Seatallan and Buckbarrow on a Blue Sky Day

12th April 2010

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I went to Greendale to climb Middle Fell (1908ft), Seatallan (2266ft) and Buckbarrow (1410ft). A walk of 7 miles. The last time we did this we had mist and rain, today was superb conditions! A good spot for a picnic and a swim!…


Newlands Round

10th April 2010

Saturday was due to be warm and sunny so we headed for Little Town to climb Robinson (2417ft), Hindscarf (2385ft), Dale Head (2473ft), High Spy (2143ft), Maiden Moor (1887ft) and Catbells (1481ft). A walk of over 10 miles. There was a waterfall on th…


Hampsfell and Kirkhead Tower

8th April 2010

Yesterday afternoon was warm and sunny so Ged, Kas and I went to Grange Over Sands to walk up Hampsfell (727ft). The circular walk is from Wainwright`s Outlying Fells book. It is very easy and only three and a half miles long, beginning and ending at…


Greenburn Round (Wetherlam to Wet Side Edge) and Cathedral Quarry

4th April 2010

On Sunday Brendan and I decided to do the Greenburn round. We went from Low Tilberthwaite (hoping to miss the Easter Holiday crowds) up to Birk Fell (1750ft), Wetherlam (2502ft), Black Sails (2443ft),Swirl How (2630ft), Great Carrs (2575ft), Little C…


Grike to Lank Rigg on a Windy Day

28th March 2010

On Sunday we went to the Kinniside Stone Circle on the Calder Bridge to Ennerdale Bridge Road, and walked the old mine road to Grike (1596ft), Crag Fell (1710ft) and Lank Rigg (1775ft). A walk of 8.25 miles. The Easter week is due to be rainey so Sun…


Ling Fell, Sale Fell and Two Churches

23rd March 2010

Brendan was going to his boss`s retirement lunch at the Pheasant Inn at Bassenthwaite today…..I know a walk from there! He had to be there by 11.30am and was due to finish at about 3pm, so I had about three and a half hours to fill before I dro…


Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks (Frozen Tarns)

16th March 2010

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I went up Fleetwith Pike (2126ft) and Wainwright`s favourite, Haystacks (1900ft). A walk of five and a half miles. It looked to be the best weather day of the week. The forecast said that the hill fog should clear by mid mornin…


Kirk Fell and Great Gable in Snow

10th March 2010

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I went to Wasdale to climb Kirk Fell (2630ft) and Great Gable (2949ft). A walk of just under 8.5 miles. The walk had taken us seven and a half hours. A good day but tiring with all the snow!   Jo….


Lingmoor Fell in Snow

4th March 2010

On Wednesday Ged, Kas and I went to Elterwater to walk Lingmoor Fell ridge returning to Elterwater via the Cumbria Way path. A walk of eight miles. We made our way up to Side Pike for lunch. Then strolled down to the valley floor and walked back to E…


Ullock Pike to Dodd in Snow

4th March 2010

On Tuesday we decided to drive north of Keswick and climb Ullock Pike (2230ft), Long Side Edge (2405ft), Carl Side (2420ft) and Dodd (1646ft). A walk of about 7 miles. We started from the car park at the Sawmill Tearoom at Dodd Wood and walked throug…


Hayeswater Round in Snow

19th February 2010

Yesterday we went to Hartsop to do six of the summits on the other side of the Kirkstone Pass. The Knott (2423ft), Rampsgill Head (2598ft), Kidsty Pike (2560ft), High St. (2718ft), Thornthwaite Crag (2569ft) and Gray Crag (2286ft). The walk was about…


Wansfell Pike in Snow

16th February 2010

Yesterday we drove to Troutbeck, parking by the church (bottom right on the yellow road with the 2 arrows). Walking to Ambleside via Skelghyll Wood, doing some shopping and having some lunch, then returning over Wansfell Pike. A walk of over 7 miles….


Fairfield Horseshoe in a White-out

8th February 2010

Today Ged and I decided to do the Fairfield Horseshoe from Rydal returning via High Sweden Bridge, Ambleside and Rydal Park. A mere 12 miles! The summits would include Nab Scar (1450ft), Heron Pike (2003ft), Great Rigg (2513ft), Fairfield (2863ft), H…


Yewbarrow with Blue Skies and Ice

31st January 2010

Today Brendan and I went up Yewbarrow (2058ft). A walk that involves both scrambling and climbing in places. It was a cold but clear day with blue skies. A good walk with lots of variety. Only just over four miles, but seems longer! It took us just u…


Dollywaggon Pike To Helvellyn in a White-out

25th January 2010

Yesterday was supposed to be a day of good visibility, but a little dull so we decided to go for a walk up Raise Beck Cascades to Grisedale Tarn. From there we would go to Dollywaggon Pike summit (2810ft) and via the ridges to High Crag (2900ft), Net…


High Rigg, Low Rigg and Tewet Tarn in Snow

7th January 2010

Today we set off towards Keswick to climb High Rigg (1163ft). I had planned to take the path up from the south, but the lay-by just past the north road turn off to the other side of Thirlmere was a foot thick with snow. So we headed for the north of…


North Walney Beach in Snow and a Walk to The Black Huts for the Sunset.

6th January 2010

It actually snowed on Walney Island on Tuesday afternoon so we took a walk down from our house to the beach. All the Barrow schools were shut. Tom and his mates went sledging. Then later we went to the Black Huts to watch the sunset. Hopefully the ro…


New Year’s Day on Beacon Fell in Snow

1st January 2010

This afternoon Brendan and I went to the shores of Coniston Water to walk up over Beacon Fell to Beacon Tarn. All the usual car parking places were iced over so we parked by the lake and took the main path up opposite Brown Howe car park. A good litt…


Grasmere Round in Snow

28th December 2009

Brendan, Tom and I took a trip to Grasmere. It was too icy for a hill walk so we decided to walk around the lake which I haven`t done since we went round with Bar and Dave last summer. The car park at Grasmere was much better but still snow and ice i…


Boxing Day Walk Along The River Lune 2009

26th December 2009

We all gathered at the Crook O`Lune car park for our annual Boxing Day Walk. The car park was like an ice rink and had us all doing our own Torvill and Dean impressions. A good little walk which took about two hours and was all on the flat. We had to…


Angletarn Pikes and The Knott from Hartsop

30th November 2009

There was sunshine and blue skies in the west! Unfortunately we were heading east into grey cloud, hoping the blue skies would follow. Visibility today was forecast to be excellent so we went to Hartsop to climb Angletarn Pikes (1857ft) and The Knott…


Coniston Old Man to Levers water

15th November 2009

Yesterday Ged, Kas the blind dog and I headed for Coniston. We parked at the Fell Gate and headed for Coniston Old Man (2633ft) via the old mine workings and Low Water. We then went to Brim Fell (2611ft) and Swirral How (2630ft) and down the Prison B…


Completion of the 214 (Haycock and Caw)

28th October 2009

Today with Caw (2263ft) and Haycock (2618ft) I would complete all the 214 Wainwright mountains. Which comprises over 700 miles of walking and 230,000ft of ascent, that`s more than 8 Mount Everests! I had wanted to finish before the clocks went back,…


Grey Knotts, Brandreth and Base Brown

24th October 2009

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I went to Seathwaite in Borrowdale to climb Grey Knotts (2287ft), Brandreth (2344ft) and Base Brown (2120ft). Friday was forecast as the best day of the week. Heavy showers in the hills, but good to moderate visibility, except…


Great Borne to Red Pike from Buttermere

16th October 2009

Yesterday was forecast to be excellent so I headed for Buttermere to climb Great Borne (2019ft), Starling Dodd (2085ft) and Red Pike (2479ft). I decided to start the walk via Scale Force. So I headed in the direction of Crummock Water first crossing…


Grike, Crag Fell and Lank Rigg

12th October 2009

Today I went to the Kinniside Stone Circle on the Calder Bridge to Ennerdale Bridge Road, and walked the old mine road to Grike (1596ft), Crag Fell (1710ft) and Lank Rigg (1775ft). It was an excellent day, warm and clear. The route is a quiet and iso…


Greystones, Ling Fell, Sale Fell and Broom Fell.

7th October 2009

Yesterday we drove to the Spout Force car park on the Whinlatter Pass to climb up Graystones (1496ft), Ling Fell (1224ft), Sale Fell (1178ft) and Broom Fell (1675ft). They are all separate fells so it would mean four distinct ups and downs! It was ab…


Carrock Fell and High Pike

5th October 2009

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I went to Mosedale to climb Carrock Fell (2174ft) and High Pike (2157ft). On the Mungrisedale to Mosedale road we came across a group of Fell Ponies……so cute and friendly! An interesting walk of about eight miles. W…


Binsey

3rd October 2009

Today I was at the Rheged Centre, Penrith for a course on “Conquering Challanging Behaviour For Effective Learning”. What a great way to spend a Saturday Morning! After the course I looked around Rheged, having not been there for at least…


Lonscale Fell, Latrigg and Whinlatter

1st October 2009

Today was a sunshine and good visibility day so I decided to climb Lonscale (2344ft), Latrigg (1203ft) and Whinlatter (1696ft). I drove to the Gale End car park for Skiddaw arriving at 9.30am. The car park was already full with like-minded people, so…


Eight Uldale Fells in Mist

24th September 2009

The weather today was supposed to be better than Tuesday`s. It wasn`t! We drove to Longlands and parked by the bridge, heading off along Longlands Beck towards Trusmadoor. We had planned to climb Great Cockup (1720ft), Meal Fell (1770ft), Great Sca F…


Great Calva and Bakestall

22nd September 2009

Today Ged, Kas and I went to do a couple of fells from Back O`Skiddaw. Great Calva (2265ft) and Bakestall (2189ft). We parked at Peter House Farm and walked part of the Cumbria Way path which leads to Skiddaw House. The walk took us five and a half h…


An Old Quarry, Two Reservoirs, Holme Fell, a Tea-room and a Tarn.

20th September 2009

It was a warm and sunny day today so we drove to Hodge Close, an old quarry where climbing and scuba diving takes place. A good little walk with lots to see, only about 4 miles long and easy walking. Jo….


Stickle Pike and Caw

12th September 2009

It just figures that as I went back to school this week we have had the best 4 days of sunshine since June and I have had to admire it from the inside of my laboratory! Typical! Thankfully the sunshine held out until today so Brendan and I went for a…


Six Fells From Lanthwaite Green

7th September 2009

After two weeks of solid rain and gales there was a break in the weather so Ged, Kas and I decided on a substantial walk to include Whiteside (2359ft), Hopegill Head (2525ft), Grasmoor (2795ft), Wandope (2533ft), Whiteless Pike (2165ft) and Rannerdal…


Low Fell and Fellbarrow

25th August 2009

The weather had improved on Monday afternoon so Brendan and I went to Thackthwaite near Loweswater in order to climb Low Fell (1360ft) and Fellbarrow (1363ft). A short walk of just over five miles, all on grass and nothing too steep but with excellen…


Scafell Pike with Brendan and Tom

22nd August 2009

Brendan has been on holiday for the last week which meant the weather has been awful with rain and gales. Yesterday there was a break in the weather so we decided to go up Scafell Pike, England`s highest mountain at 3210ft. Brendan and Tom had never…


Knott Rigg, Ard Crags and a Circuit of Buttermere

13th August 2009

Today Tom and I went to Newlands Hause to climb up Knott Rigg (1790ft) and Ard Crags (1860ft). A there and back walk of 4 miles. We set off from home at 8am and were first at Newlands with a choice of parking! The weather was excellent! Traffic was b…


Six Fells From Causey Pike to Barrow

12th August 2009

Yesterday Ged, kas and I parked on the side of the road near Uzzicar, which is just below the slopes of Barrow Fell, in order to climb Causey Pike (2035ft), Scar Crags (2205ft), Sail (2530ft), Eel Crag (Crag Hill on Ordnance survey maps) (2749ft), Ou…


Hen Comb and Three More Fells From Loweswater

4th August 2009

We drove to Loweswater to climb Hen Comb (1661ft), Gavel Fell (1720ft), Blake Fell (1978ft) and Burnbank Fell (1580ft), a round trip of just under nine miles. A good walk despite the rain, the bogs and the dull grassy terrain. It took about five and…


Black Crag

1st August 2009

It rained this morning but was okay by this afternoon so Brendan and I drove to Glen Mary Bridge just north of Coniston to walk up Black Crag (1056ft), one of the smallest Wainwrights. We went up by Tom Gill which had the most water I`ve ever seen in…


Grange Fell

31st July 2009

Today Tom and I set off early for Watendlath in order to climb Grange Fell (1345ft). It is a round trip of just over two miles with the Tea Room to look forward to on the return. The forecast was quite good for the morning and we were determined to m…


Dow Crag with Brendan and Tom

26th July 2009

Yesterday was going to be the one good day to be had over the next week and the boys needed some exercise, so we left home at gone 1pm for Torver, to walk up Dow Crag (2555ft) via Brown Pike (2237ft) and Buck Pike (2430ft). I thought it would be a go…


Robinson, Dale Head and Hindscarth in Rain and Wind.

23rd July 2009

Yesterday we went to Little Town to climb Robinson (2417ft), Dale Head (2473ft) and Hindscarth (2385ft). Heavy rain and gale force winds on the summits were forecast, but as long as we could see where we were going it would be fine. The views on this…


Walla Crag to High Tove and Watendlath

15th July 2009

Today we went to Ashness Bridge to climb Walla Crag (1234ft), Bleaberry Fell (1932ft), High Seat (1995ft) and High Tove (1665ft) descend down to Watendlath and follow the trail down the valley back to Ashness Bridge. A walk of just under nine miles….


Five Langdale Pikes via Marks Gate

8th July 2009

Yesterday I had to take Tom to his work experience placement at 9 and pick him up at 5, so a walk would have to fit within these times and it would need to be somewhere quite near. It had been over three years since I had last done a Langdale Pike, s…


Steel Fell to Helm Crag (Greenburn Round)

2nd July 2009

I usually plan walks well ahead. But last night was hot and I had still to go to sleep at 3am, so I got a cup of tea and ended up looking at Andrew Leaney and David Hall`s photos of the Greenburn Round on their websites. (Google them and you won`t be…


Silver How to Tarn Crag from Grasmere

29th June 2009

Yesterday was forecast to be the best day of the week. We decided to do five fells from Grasmere, Silver How (1294ft), Blea Rigg (1776ft), Sergeant Man (2414ft), High Raise (2500ft) and Tarn Crag (1807ft). The route is a ridge walk that skirts around…


Eagle Crag, Sergeant’s Crag, Ullscarf and Great Crag

24th June 2009

Last week`s walk was only a small one so this week we were in need of something a bit more challenging. Yesterday was forecast to be very hot so naturally we decided to start the walk with one of the most strenuous ascents in Lakeland, Eagle Crag (17…


Rosthwaite Fell

16th June 2009

Yesterday we went back to Borrowdale to climb Rosthwaite Fell (1808ft), including Bessyboot and Rosthwaite Cam, a walk of under 5 miles. When we arrived this morning there were loads of cars on the verge that would normally be empty mid week. I guess…


Seathwaite Fell to Glaramara

8th June 2009

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I went to Seathwaite in Borrowdale to climb Seathwaite Fell (2070ft), Esk Pike (2904ft), Allen Crags (2572ft) and Glaramara (2569ft). A walk of eight and a half miles. The visibility was good but for most of the day the skies w…


Bonscale Pike to Steel Knotts

29th May 2009

On Friday the weather was due to be glorious so I decided to do a solitary walk in the far eastern fells. When I left home at 7.30am it was a bit dull, and as I drove over the Kirkstone Pass the mist was right down, but as Brothers Water came in to v…


Armboth Fell and High Tove (Thirlmere to Watendlath)

26th May 2009

Today Ged, Kas and I went to Armboth on the west side of Thirlmere. We climbed up by Fisher Gill and walked over to Fisher Crag, then on to Armboth Fell (1570ft) and then to High Tove (1665ft). From there we went over the otherside of the fell down t…


Bowscale Fell to Souther Fell

11th May 2009

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I went to Mungrisedale to climb Bowscale Fell (2306ft), Bannerdale Crags (2230ft), Mungrisedale Common (2068ft) and Souther Fell (1680ft). A walk of nine miles. It was a fine sunny day but the forecast was for 50mph winds on th…


Birkhouse Moor and Catstycam

21st April 2009

Yesterday was such a good day that Ged, Kas and I decided to repeat the walk of six weeks ago that we did in snow, wind and mist, but this time we could actually admire the view. We walked from Glenridding up to Birkhouse Moor (2350ft) to Red Tarn. T…


Great Mell Fell

14th April 2009

On Tuesday Tom, Ged, Kas and I went for a walk up Great Mell Fell (1760ft). Unfortunately the excellent Easter weather was at an end. Today`s weather was dull and the visibility was poor. A very short walk!…


Arnison Crag and Birks

16th March 2009

The forecast for the Fells was drizzle and low cloud so we drove to Patterdale to do Arniston Crag (1424ft) and Birks (2040ft). A short walk of 4.5 miles but steep! We also decided to add Lanty`s Tarn and Keldas to the end of the walk this would take…


Glenridding Dodd to Hart Side and back Via the Miner’s Track

13th March 2009

With Wednesday`s walk having no views, and the forecast for Thursday being quite good except for the gales, we set off again for Glenridding to climb Glenridding Dodd (1425ft), Heron Pike to Sheffield Pike (2232ft), Hart Side (2481ft) and Birkett Fel…


Birkhouse Moor

11th March 2009

Yesterday was great visibility and blue skies but I had been in Cartmel Priory teaching. I was supposed to be teaching maths today but decided that the call of the mountains was infinitely more appealing! I hated maths when I was at school and none o…


Gowbarrow Fell, Aira Force and Little Mell Fell

18th February 2009

This is my first walk for a month. The Fells have been too icy of late but now the thaw is here so I decided to have a walk around Gowbarrow Fell (1579ft) beside Ullswater, which is low enough to be snow free. Ged and Kas came too. We started from th…


Grisedale Pike and Hopegill Head in Snow

6th January 2009

On Tuesday Ged, Kas and I went to Braithwaite to Climb Grisedale Pike (2593ft) and Hopegill Head (2525ft). I had my new camera, a Canon Ixus 970is, to try out! The day had started in sunshine, but by the time we reached Braithwaite it had started to…


Ullock Pike to Skiddaw

3rd January 2009

Today Ged and I decided to do four northern Fells, Ullock Pike (2230ft), Long Side Edge (2405ft), Skiddaw (3053ft) and Carl Side (2420ft). A walk of about 7 miles. We started from the car park at the Sawmill Tearoom (which was shut until February!) a…


A Brocken Spectre on Coniston Old Man

30th December 2008

For our last walk of 2008 Ged, Kas the blind dog and I headed for Coniston. We parked at the Fell Gate and headed for Coniston Old Man (2633ft) via the old mine workings and Low Water. We then went to Brim Fell (2611ft) and Swirral How (2630ft) and d…


Gummers How in Snow

3rd December 2008

There are blizzards and a weather warning forecast for tonight and tomorrow so I thought I`d better take advantage of the sunshine and do a short walk up Gummers How in order to admire the hills. It would be too dangerous to attempt the higher fells…


South Walney Nature Reserve

2nd November 2008

The weather was excellent today so we went down to the South End of Walney Island to the Nature Reserve to look out for seals.This is free for residents. We set out for the old pier that looks out to Piel Island. The walk is very easy and only about…


Three Fells from Mardale

23rd September 2008

Today was one of the best days for a while so I decided to do a solitary walk from Mardale over the Gatesgarth Pass to Harter Fell (2552ft), Kentmere Pike (2397ft) and Shipman Knotts (1926ft) and then all the way back again.  A walk over just over 9…


Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s Highest Mountain

14th August 2008

Friday was one of the few decent days, it rained a lot over the two weeks and the mist was down over the Reeks on most days . We set off from the cottage at 7.50am and picked Steve up at eight (Brendan`s second cousin who has the farm two miles down…


Morecambe Promenade to Heysham Church Walk

29th July 2008

On Sunday Brendan was visiting his Mum in Heysham, so he dropped me off at the start of the Morecambe Promenade to walk the length of it to Heysham, 4.42 miles or 7077m. A good walk for a warm, non-windy day.  …


Nab Scar and Alcock Tarn

28th July 2008

On Monday Ged, Kas, Tom and I went to Rydal, parking at Rydal Mount to climb Nab Scar (1450ft) and walk to Alcock Tarn and back to Rydal via the Old Coffin Route, about 4 miles. A very hot day! Good job I chose an easy walk! Jo…


A walk around Grasmere and Rydal water

24th July 2008

On Wednesday Tom and I met up with friends Bar and Dave (and Norman the bear!)  from Lincolnshire and we walked around Grasmere and Rydal Water. A walk of about 5 miles. A good little walk with not much effort involved.    …


High Rigg and St. John’s in the Vale

21st July 2008

Yesterday was a superb hot weather day so Tom, Ged, Kas and I went to St. Johns in the Vale to do the circuit of High Rigg (1165ft), an easy five mile walk. We started form the church at the north end of the fell climbing up the grass behind the Yout…


Sour Howes, Sallows and Troutbeck Tongue

20th July 2008

This morning we set off about half eight for Troutbeck to walk up Sour Howes (1585ft), Sallows (1691ft) and Troutbeck Tongue (1191ft). We parked off the road before the church and set off up the Garburn Pass that leads to Kentmere. The walk was eight…


Hard Knott and Wallowbarrow

30th June 2008

There was no school for Tom or me today so we had a couple of walks planned. Hard Knott (1811ft) and Wallowbarrow Gorge. We had set off before 8am and headed for the Roman Fort of Mediobogdum at the start of the Hardknott Pass. We returned to the New…


Crete: Samaria Gorge Walk

10th June 2008

The last time we visited Crete we walked the Samaria Gorge which we thoroughly enjoyed so this time we did it again with Tom. The Gorge is the longest in europe at 18km (11 miles) long. It is formed by a river flowing between Mount Volakias to the we…


Harter Fell and Green Crag

20th May 2008

On Tuesday Janet the dogs and me went up Harter Fell (2140ft) and Green Crag (1602ft) from Birks in the Duddon Valley. A walk of about 7 miles. We skirted around Harter Fell and went back via Birks. The walk took about five hours. It was windy and co…


A Few Dodds, But No Mist

16th May 2008

Today I had another opportunity to do a walk that was not circular. Brendan was off to Carlisle again so he could drop me off and pick me up somewhere else, I chose to re-do the remainder of the Helvellyn range from Raise to Clough Head which I did t…


Wansfell Pike

7th May 2008

Today myself, Janet, her daughter Jenna and the dogs Poppy, Daisy and Miffy went to Ambleside to climb Wansfell (1597ft) via Wansfell Pike and then walk to Troutbeck and back to Ambleside via Skelghyll Wood. A walk of about seven and a half miles. We…


Castle Crag, High Spy and Maiden Moor

28th April 2008

Yesterday Ged, Kas and I set off for Borrowdale to climb the smallest Wainwright, Castle Crag (956ft), plus High Spy (2143ft) and Maiden Moor (1887ft). The forecast was for heavy rain, but there was to be good visibility out of the rain. We had a cof…


A Few Dodds

24th April 2008

Today I had an opportunity to do a walk that was not circular. Brendan was off to Carlisle so he could drop me off and pick me up somewhere else, I chose to do the remainder of the Helvellyn range from Raise to Clough Head. Which includes Raise (2889…


Hartsop Dodd and Caudale Moor

22nd April 2008

On Tuesday I went back to Hartsop to do the final two fells accessible from here. Ged was in Tenerife climbing 12,000ft volcanoes, and Janet was horse riding, so it would be a solitary walk. I did Hartsop Dodd (2028ft) and Caudale Moor (2502ft). The…


Four Fells and Red Deer on The Nab, from Hartsop

16th April 2008

Today Ged and I went back to Hartsop and did four more summits. Rest Dodd (2283ft), The Nab (1887ft), Brock Crags (1842ft) and Angletarn Pikes (1857ft). A walk of about 10 miles. The 10 miles took us nearly eight and a half hours. A good day, but nee…


Hallin Fell and the Lakeside Path

14th April 2008

St. Bernards were not in school today so Tom and I went to Glenridding, on the shores of Ullswater, to take the Steamer to Howtown. We then climbed Hallin Fell (1271ft) and took the lakeside path back to Glenridding, a walk of about 8 miles in all. W…


Seven Summits Around Hayeswater

10th April 2008

Yesterday Janet and the dogs Poppy, Daisy, little Miffy and me went to Hartsop to climb seven of the summits on the other side of the Kirkstone Pass. The summits included: The Knott (2423ft), Rampsgill Head (2598ft), High Raise (2623ft), Kidsty Pike…


Five Fells and a Priest Hole

2nd April 2008

The forecast for yesterday was poor, but Ged and I still decided to do the Dovedale Horseshoe which includes High Hartstop Dodd (1702ft), Little Hart Crag (2091ft), Dove Crag (2603ft), Hart Crag (2698ft) and Hartsop Above How (1870ft) and a diversion…


Walney Island Beach with Janet’s Dogs

27th March 2008

It was a nice day today but heavy, dark cloud in the hills and we didn`t fancy a drenching. So Janet and I took a walk from my house up to the north end of Walney with Poppy and Miffy and Janet`s brother`s dog, Daisy….she is in the photo below…


Helm Crag

19th March 2008

I took this week off work to do the garden and make the most of the good weather. Janet wanted to go to Hayes Garden Centre at Ambleside today, so as rain was forecast tomorrow and I`d completed all the weeding we decided to kill two birds with one s…


Lingmell and Scafell Pike in Blue Skies and Snow

4th March 2008

I did not intend to go walking today, but on looking out of the bedroom window I saw blue skies and mountains covered in snow. So I decided on a solitary walk up Lingmell (2649ft) and maybe Scafell Pike (3210ft) from Wasdale. I set off at nine and st…


Coniston Coppermine Valley Walk

12th February 2008

Today Brendan, Tom and I went to explore the Coppermines Valley. We started at the Black Bull and walked up beside Church Beck. At the Miners Bridge we crossed over and walked down via the Sun Inn. Then we put back all the calories we had used up wit…


Coniston Old Man to Dow Crag

11th February 2008

Finally we reach half-term and get a glorious day. Janet and I, plus Poppy and Miffy the dogs, went to Torver and trekked up to Coniston Old Man (2633ft) by the Boo Tarn route that goes via Bursting Stone Quarry and the south ridge, then over to Dow…


Helvellyn, Blue Skies and Snow

10th December 2007

The forecast for today was the best we have had for three weeks. The rain finally stopped and the sun shone. Looking out of the bedroom window the high mountains were covered in snow. So I decided to do a solitary walk up Helvellyn, (3118ft) the thir…


Great Langdale to Great End

13th November 2007

The gritter lorries were out on Sunday night indicating that it was going to be clear and frosty. So Ged, Kas the blind Border Collie and me went to Great Langdale in order to hike to Great End (2984ft). We set off from the Old Dungeon Ghyll car park…


A circuit of Devoke Water with Water Crag and Rough Crag

30th October 2007

Janet, me, Poppy and Miffy took a rather wet and muddy walk around Devoke Water….A walk I also did a few weeks ago, the weather had not improved! The dogs will need baths…..as will we! Jo…


High St. and Mardale Ill Bell via the Riggindale Ridge

29th October 2007

On Monday Ged, Kas and me went to Mardale at the head of Haweswater in order to climb High Street (2718ft) and Mardale Ill Bell (2496ft), a walk of about six miles. The walk took 5 hours. It started to pour with rain as we got back to the car. We wer…


Seathwaite Tarn

23rd October 2007

Today we decided to walk around Seathwaite Tarn which is about 5 miles from where we parked the car. The weather was sunny in Barrow, and not too bad at sea level, but it started to deteriorate as we climbed the 450ft up to Seathwaite Tarn. So glad t…


Lingmoor Fell and Elterwater

23rd October 2007

Yesterday Ged, myself and Kas the blind Border Collie decided to walk from Elterwater Village to Great Langdale via the ridge of Lingmoor Fell (1539ft) and Side Pike and then to follow the Cumbria Way path back to Elterwater Village and then take a d…


Devoke water, Water Crag and Rough Crag

7th October 2007

I will be working full time at Cartmel Priory School until half term. So it was frustrating to drive to and back from work and see all the mountains surrounded by blue sky and good visibility all this week and not able to have a day off walking. I al…


Black Crag and Holme Fell

12th September 2007

I decided to revisit Black Crag 1056ft and Holme Fell 1040ft. I had done these with Janet in July but the day had been rainy and misty and there had been no views at all from the summits just a total white-out. The visibility forecast for this mornin…


Lingmoor Fell with Tom

23rd August 2007

Tom and I drove to Blea Tarn car park via Great Langdale in order to walk up Lingmoor Fell. A small fell at 1530ft that shouldn`t pose too much of a problem for Tom. We stopped on the way at Coniston Water. A warm day. Superb visibility! Jo….


Fleetwith Pike and Haystacks

22nd August 2007

Yesterday Ged, Kas and me went up Fleetwith Pike (2126ft) and Wainwright`s favourite, Haystacks (1900ft). It was a sunny day until we reached the mountains. Low loud was everywhere. Most of the tops were covered. A good day despite the mist. Cool for…


Camping on Carran Summit, Ireland

8th August 2007

Our cottage at Knockanuha is 800ft up Carran. We often take a walk up, but it is pathless and not that easy. There was actually disbelief from many of the local farmers that I`d done this. They thought it would be too scarey up there for a woman on h…


Slight Side, Scafell and Scafell Pike

2nd May 2007

On Monday Janet, Poppy and I went to Wasdale to visit Burnmoor Tarn and climb up Slight Side (2499ft), Scafell (3162ft) and Scafell Pike (3210ft). Quite an epic walk, about 9 miles of mostly awkward, rocky terrain. Another day of excellent visibility…


Skiddaw in Sunshine

1st May 2007

On Tuesday I took Brendan up Skiddaw (3053ft) and Skiddaw Little Man (2837ft). Another nice day but very windy even at the car park. We took the tourist route up. A large, smooth path that goes all the way up. I left my walking pole on the car bonnet…


Cold Pike, Crinkle Crags and Bowfell

18th April 2007

Janet, Poppy and I decided on a trip to the Langdales while it would be relatively quiet. We parked at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel and set off for Red Tarn, Cold Pike (2259ft) Crinkle Crags (five Crag summits, the highest being Long Top at 2816ft) Sh…


Grey Friar to Dow Crag from Seathwaite

8th April 2007

Janet, Poppy and I decided to do the Seathwaite Round. 10 miles and eight summits including Grey Friar (2536ft), Great Carrs (2575ft),Swirl How (2630ft), Brim Fell (2611ft), Coniston Old Man (2633ft), Dow Crag (2554ft), Buck Pike and Brown Pike. We m…


Greenburn Round (Wetherlam to Wet Side Edge)

4th April 2007

Today Janet, Poppy and I decided to do the Greenburn round. Nine miles and seven summits. We went from Low Tilberthwaite (hoping to miss the Easter Holiday crowds) up to Birk Fell (1750ft), Wetherlam (2502ft), Black Sails (2443ft),Swirl How (2630ft),…


Scandale Horseshoe

26th March 2007

Today Janet, Poppy and me went to Ambleside to do the Scandale Horseshoe. (Red Screes, Middle Dodd, Little Hart Crag, High Bakestones, High Pike and Low Pike.)  A 10 mile hike. We parked at the Ambleside car park which charges a scandalous £7 for 9 h…


Greenhead Gill Round

14th March 2007

Janet, Poppy and me went to Grasmere to do the Greenhead Gill Round (six miles).This includes Stone Arthur (1652ft), Great Rigg (2513ft) and Heron Pike (2003ft) ending with Alcock Tarn on a ridge below Heron Pike, then back to Grasmere. We walked bac…


Wetherlam

26th February 2007

This week is forecast to rain apart from today, so when I got a call at 7.20 this morning to go to work I turned them down in favour of a solitary walk in the Fells. I`m already working Wed,Thurs, Friday so I can afford to be choosy! I parked at Low…


Dodd, Lord’s Seat, Barf and Great Cockup

22nd February 2007

On Monday we set off for three days in the Northern Fells. Staying in a B&B at Maple Bank in Thornthwaite. There was low cloud so we went to Dodd Wood. First we visited The Old Sawmill Tearoom for a coffee before setting off on one of the trails…


Walney Island North End Beach Walk

18th February 2007

Here`s a few pix of the north end of Walney Island. It was too nice to stay in this afternoon so I took a walk by myself, from home, down to the sea via the airfield and then through the nature reserve. Took about three hours to go there and back! Jo…


Loughrigg Fell

14th February 2007

I asked Janet and her dog Poppy if they wanted a jaunt out, which they did, so after a bit of retail therapy and a large Mocha we set off round the west side of Grasmere to go up Loughrigg Fell (1099ft) and then down the other side to Loughrigg Tarn…


Dow Crag and Coniston Old Man in superb visibility

6th February 2007

Another glorious day so Janet and I went to Torver and treked up to Dow Crag (2555ft) and Coniston Old Man (2633ft) via Brown Pike (2237ft) and Buck Pike (2430ft). The walk was about nine miles and took us six and a half hours. Another good day tomor…


A Walk Around Buttermere

4th February 2007

Another nice day so we went to Buttermere for a walk around the lake. When we left Walney it was shrouded in fog. Windermere and Thirlmere were also very foggy. Thankfully the Buttermere Valley was in perfect visibility! By half past two the fog and…


Bowfell via The Climber’s Traverse

3rd February 2007

Yesterday I had to look out of the science lab window in Dowdales at clear blue skies. I hate that! So today in order to make the most of a similar day Ged and I went up Bowfell (2960ft). The Weather Website said that the visibility would be very poo…


Helvellyn in Snow, Swirls to Wythburn

3rd February 2007

There`s snow on them there hills! So Janet and Poppy and me set off to investigate the 3118ft summit of Helvellyn. We parked at Swirls on the side of Thirlmere. The car park was closed as it was being used by the loggers so we used the spaces on the…


Raven Crag and Great How

16th January 2007

Finally, a window in the gale force winds and rain! Janet and I and Poppy the dog set off for the northern tip of Thirlmere to walk up Raven Crag (1520ft) on the west, and Great How on the east side of the lake. Got back to the car before it got dark…


Cathedral Quarry and Hodge Close

4th January 2007

Today Tom and I took the car to Low Tilberthwaite just north of Coniston to do a circular walk to Little Langdale Tarn, Cathedral Quarry and Hodge Close. About 5 miles, but only 1000ft of ascent. The weather was windy and it rained most of the time….


Dollywaggon Pike to Whiteside

9th November 2006

Another great visibility Thursday! Time for another solitary walk. Decided to go to Dunmail Raise again for another walk up Raise Beck Cascades to Grisedale Tarn. From there I would go to Dollywaggon Pike summit(2810ft) and via the ridges to High Cra…


Whitbarrow Scar and Lord’s Seat

7th November 2006

Today Ged, Kas and me went to Mill Side at Witherslack to climb up to Whitbarrow Scar for the walk to Lord’s Seat. A walk of about five miles. We parked on the roadside at Mill Side. Not much of a view today, a lot of low cloud. The walk is on…


Mosedale Horseshoe on a Blue Sky Day

2nd November 2006

On a Thursday in November I set off at dawn for Wasdale, in order to do a solitary walk of the Mosedale Horseshoe. The fells would include Pillar (via Robinson’s Cairn), Scoat Fell, Steeple and Red Pike. I stopped off on Walney Island Promenade…


Blackcombe

29th October 2006

Went up Blackcombe (1970ft) the big Fell you can see looking across from Walney Island. I last went up in the snow.Ged and Kas came too. We parked by the church. A good little walk.  …


Seat Sandal and Grisedale Tarn

15th October 2006

Sunday was due to be a nice day so we decided to go up Seat Sandal (2415ft). Took Tom and his friend Alex.The walk started from Dunmail Raise up Raise Beck Cascades to Grisedale Tarn. Went for a Coffee and cake in Grasmere. Very naughty!…


Yewbarrow

9th October 2006

Finally a nice day with good visibility. Ged, Kas and I went up Yewbarrow (2058ft) shown on the left of the photo below, half in sunlight. A good day! Jo….


Gummers How with Brendan, Tom and Alex

8th October 2006

We took a walk up to Gummers How with Tom’s friend Alex. A good little walk as always. Jo. …


A walk up Pike o’ Blisco

11th September 2006

Today Ged, Kas and me went to Great Langdale to take a walk up to Pile o’ Blisco. It was very hazy, still, but warm. We were not hopeful of any views, but could do with the exercise! Only a short walk of under 5 miles. It took us four hours. Jo…


Fairfield and St. Sunday Crag

30th August 2006

The weather was not looking too good so we chose to go the the Eastern Fells, even though when we set off mist was all over them. By the time we got there the mist had lifted. Rain was due in the late afternoon so we had about 5 hours of clearish wea…


Humphrey Head

23rd August 2006

Tom and me went to Humphrey Head. It looks out across Morecambe Bay. We climbed up to the top. Just a short walk. …


Blencathra via Halls Fell

26th July 2006

Went up Blencathra (2847ft above Keswick) with Ged and Kas the dog on Wednesday, via Halls Fell and ridge. I went up this way last Easter but without my camera, so I did it all again! Halls Fell is the ridge that leads to the top summit (seen below)…


Red Pike to High Crag from Buttermere on a Blue Sky Day

18th July 2006

The hottest day of the year so far (over 30C) and Ged and I decide to go to Buttermere and climb Red Pike via Bleaberry Tarn (2479ft), then a ridge walk to High Stile (2644ft) then High Crag (2443ft), and back down the side of Buttermere. The walk to…


Illgill Head to Whin Rigg

3rd July 2006

Decided to go up from Wasdale Head to Illgill Head, on the side of Wast Water, and known as the Wast Water Screes (2000ft). A circular walk along the tops of the screes to Whin Rigg, down to Nether Wasdale and back along the Lake to where we started….


Coniston Old Man

24th June 2006

Went up Coniston Old Man yesterday (2633ft). The weather was dull and overcast, but the wind of the last few days had died down. I got to Torver about 9.45 and parked the car on the side of the road and headed up the lane. It`s 3 3/4 miles to the top…


Scafell Pike on my own via Mickledore in Blue Skies

5th May 2006

It was such a nice day I decided to go up Scafell Pike, the highest mountain in England at 3,210ft. I went up by myself going from Wasdale via Brown Tongue and Mickledore. The route up to Mickledore can be seen below, just follow the Gill up. There w…


Mellbreak 2006

29th April 2006

Decided to climb Mellbreak this morning (1675ft). As it is the Bank Holiday weekend we thought we would stick to the quiet west side. Going via Cleator. We parked just past the Kirkstile Inn at Loweswater. This is where this picture is taken from…


Harrison Stickle

6th April 2006

Yesterday Tom was on a Church Youth Group trip so Ged and I decided to do a walk that We wouldn`t have been able to do with Tom. We decided on Harrison Stickle, the highest of the Langdale Pikes at 2415 ft (736m). Got back to the car park with minute…


Easedale Tarn

3rd April 2006

Went to Easedale Tarn today. Tom, Ged, Kas the dog and me set out from Grasmere and walked up Sour Milk Gill. All in all a good day out. Jo….


Catbells

3rd April 2006

Went to Catbells on the shore of Derwent Water. (1481ft). Went with Tom, Ged and Kas (6 months old) the dog again. Another good day. Weather was excellent too. Jo….


A Quick Run up Helm Crag

31st March 2006

Went to Grasmere today via Hayes Garden Center, and climbed up Helm Crag,1329 ft (405m). Compared to Kirk Fell this is classified on the Sweeney Scale as easy peasy with bells on. From the car park to the summit took under half an hour! Back in Grasm…


Kirk Fell

23rd March 2006

Day off today so I decided to go to Wastwater again. I had lunch there and then went to Wasdale Head for a coffee at the pub. Once in the pub I got my map out and then decided to walk up Kirk Fell, 2630ft (802m). It goes straight up….then it ge…


Blackcombe in Snow

4th March 2006

As the sun was shining and snow was on them there hills we decided to go up Black Combe (1970ft). The path up is simple and you can`t get lost. Thankfully it wasn`t slippy in the least but it did get cold and a bit windy towards the summit. We set ou…


Helvellyn, a Quick Up and Down.

10th February 2006

I took advantage of the good weather and a day off and decided to have a quick, lone walk up Helvellyn. I had been up in August but had forgotten my camera, but not yesterday. It took an hour and a half to get down. I then went for a hot and wet mug…


Top o’ Selside 2006

28th January 2006

Parked just past High Nibthwaite and took a walk up the fell on the East side of Coniston. Great views today and warm weather. Nothing like the weather forecast said! Bit of snow on Helvellyn? We then went to Coniston village and had a drink at the B…


Diving in Cuba

5th August 2002

In 2001 I met John and Lesley Reid in Varadero Cuba. We got on very well. John was a scuba diver so we arranged to meet up again the following year in Cuba to do some diving together. John had been diving there for a few years and knew many of the be…